Documenting and Training

This summer, and possibly beyond, I'll be tracking and recording sightings of fireflies and woodland box turtles. I plan to spend two to three nights a week outside spotting fireflies. For the woodland box turtles, I often see them crossing the road, which is when I stop to move them, or find them in my yard.

Documenting and Training for Firefly Sightings

Below are the steps to take on the Firefly Atlas website:

·       Find information about how to survey for 13 focal species;

·       Access survey protocols and species identification materials;

·       Submit observational data, including photos;

·       Identify the fireflies in your photos, with the potential for verification by experts;

·       Download a species checklist for your state or province of interest;

·       Learn more about fireflies, their ecology, and ongoing conservation efforts;

·       Help researchers better understand the distribution of fireflies; and

·       Connect with other researchers, land managers, and community scientists.

The links provided will take you to their website and give you a detailed explanation for each item. When discovering their website, I particularly enjoyed the link to the “13 focal species”. I am amazed with the diversity of firefly species and their photos help you distinguish between them. The link to the “photos” leads you to a checklist that gives you tips and guidance on how to best photograph the species using various lighting and lens exposure.  

Getting Ready to Record Firefly Sighting

To record a firefly sighting for the Firefly Atlas, no formal training is required. However, the protocol does ask that you take a few preparatory steps:

·        Familiarize yourself with your local species: This involves dedicating some time to understand the local common firefly population in your area. The website provides some helpful tips on guiding you through identifying the various species.

·        Watch their training video: There is a provided training video that helps guide you on proper recording and surveying techniques.

·        Review the handbook: Provided is a comprehensive handbook that outlines the Firefly Atlas protocol and helps you better understand the necessary steps and equipment needed to successfully record your sightings.

·        Learn about habitat and timing: The Firefly Atlas provides tips on locating suitable firefly habitats and the best times for sightings. Lighting is key!

Having recently completed my training, I've been on a mission to pinpoint the best firefly habitats around my property. This past weekend, with a house full of visitors, I successfully recruited a team of "tiny eyes" to assist in firefly counting! I'll be sharing our adventures and observations in a post very soon!

Documenting and Training for Woodland Box Turtles

The Virginia Herpetological Society hosts events twice a year for members and guests, which include educational workshops and presentations on Virginia's reptiles and amphibians. In the fall, they conduct a training session for members and educators focusing on the identification, conservation, and captive care of common local reptiles and amphibians. Their spring event is a two-day field trip where professional herpetologists teach members field sampling and identification techniques. In addition to providing tips and guidance on identifying local reptiles and amphibians, the website allows users to upload photos for help with species identification. 

Getting Ready to Record Woodland Box Turtle Sightings

Recording your findings is simple and easy with their google doc fillable form. The form asks for contact information, location of sighting, date and if they were seen in pairs or alone. I often spot woodland box turtles on my property and near our creek. Occasionally, I find them crossing roads, and if it's safe to do so, I always move them out of harm's way. As I begin actively searching for these turtles, I plan to take as many pictures as possible.