Audubon Park Observations

As a biology major, naturally I recorded my observations of the various fauna and flora found in Audubon Park. I noted the range of plant species from the cypress tree, live oak, magnolia, and spanish moss. The array of animal species, especially birds, was even more diverse. The lagoons of Audubon Park were filled with native mallards, wood ducks, coots, white egrets, and cormorants, as well as an overwhelming amount of the non-native whistling ducks originating from South America. In addition to identifying these different species, I made preliminary recordings of their behavior. I observed male dominance behavior when mallard drakes (males) chased away less dominant males, followed by courting behavior where the male would incessantly follow the female. I also observed the feeding and preening behavior of a paired couple of mallards.

I was able to record all of this information, but by focusing solely on the biological aspect of Audubon Park, I forgot to acknowledge an extremely important component—people. We cannot forget that we, the people, are solely responsible for the mere existence of Audubon Park. Of course we pose many direct threats to nature and its inhabitants, but without our influence, this very park would be but a mere thought in our minds. After I came to this realization, seeing through more of a sociological perspective, I was able to focus on the activities of the patrons of Audubon Park. I noticed a group of people horseback riding through the park, a man painting a canvas of the lagoon area, and a multitude of runners and bikers using the track that surrounds Audubon. Also, I could not overlook the golf course used by many locals, as well as tourists, that is centered within the park.

Again, I was able to record a fair amount of information by focusing on the sociology aspect of the park, but it was not until I brought the ideas from both disciplines together that I could see the entire picture. Audubon Park is a perfect example of everything, animals, plants, and even humans, living in harmony with one another. It serves as an Eden where humans can enjoy themselves through entertainment and other activities, while it provides a diverse array of organisms a safe haven. The animals within Audubon Park are not frightened by the presence of humans, and neither do the people seem to mind the animals. Instead, the very presence of wildlife and the sense of wilderness is what draws us to Audubon Park and what makes it such a majestic place. If only we as a nation, and hopefully the world, can use this as a simple analogy for how we should and could live in harmony with everything, everywhere.