As a constant mist covered the gnarled strangler fig trees layered in ferns and orchids, Northeastern University student Adrian Baez rolled off his cot, grabbed his binoculars and headed out on the Ecuadorian trail known as “the songs of dawn.” It was 5 a.m. As always, he skipped breakfast.
The chatter of bird songs and calls would soon start, but the sun wouldn’t rise for a little while yet at Los Cedros Scientific Station, just 25 miles north of the equator. The facility is homed on a 15,000- acre nature reserve about 4,500 feet above sea level in the cloud-shrouded Toisán mountains, on the western slopes of the Andes.
Baez, 20, embarked on the trail for 40 days to count and record birds for his university co-op, honing research skills amid the unique morning ritual. The incoming junior is working on his bachelor’s of science degree in marine and environmental sciences.
His self-designed project was unique, mentor and a research scientist at the station, Alex Baldwin, told Northeastern Global News by phone from Ecuador.
The purpose, Baldwin explained, was to compare the numbers and types of birds found in old forest growth to species found in new forest, replanted over clear cut logging and pasture areas.
Read more at Northeastern Global News
Courtesy photo
