Buena Vista Lagoon Teacher Field Report J Perine Tulsa El. Fifth Grade: . . . . Sat, Sep 8, 7:01PM PST (-0800 GMT) Field Report JoAnna Perine Fifth Grade Tulsa Elementary The Chumash Indians used the plentiful resources from their environment to build their homes, and to feed and cloth themselves. They not only had the resources from the ocean but they traded with other native people for seeds, tools, and resources that were not in their immediate environment. The Coastal Indians were able to build permanent settlements because they could depend on a permanent food supply, mild climate, and many natural resources that they used to construct shelter and clothing. After the arrival of the Europeans life for the Chumash changed dramatically. 1.Tule Reeds and other grasses were plentiful in the marshy coastal lands. How would you use this resource for tools and shelter? 2.The plant material in this photo is plentiful and the animals use it for shelter from their predators. How could the Indians use it for building huts or dwellings? 3.This photo was taken at San Juan Capistrano Mission Elevation 102 ft. North 33.50213 West 117.66261 How do you think these grasses were attached? What holds them up? Do you think this is a very strong structure? What do you think caused the holes in the stones in the fore ground? 4.We can see from this inside view of the hut that the plant material is woven very tightly. The Indians were expert at weaving. What do you think the opening at the top of the structure was for? 5.The Indians were not the only ones to use the plants creatively for tools and shelter. Do you see the bird’s nest attached to the palm leaf? The Hooded Oriole is a brightly colored yellow bird with a black throat and dark gray wings. This bird’s hanging, six-inch deep, pouch-like nest is very strong. It is made by the female who hatches 4-5 eggs in approximately two weeks. This photo was taken at the Buena Vista Nature Center. 6.Elevation 91ft North 33.50322 West 117.66310 Buena Vista Audubon Society’s Nature Center is located a few steps from the shore of Buena Vista Lagoon, and offers a variety of natural history experiences. This display shows the size of the marine sanctuary. 7.The Chumash Indians not only wove strong huts using reeds and grasses, but they were also well known for their tightly woven baskets. Some were woven so carefully that they were waterproof. Chumash baskets were highly prized in trade with other Indian groups. What do you think the Chumash traded their basket for? 8.Trading was important for all of the Coastal Indians. What kinds of seeds did the Island Chumash trade for? Do you remember the stone holes in front of the thatched hut? What do you think they did with the seeds that they traded for? Besides their prized baskets what else did the Island Chumash use for trade. Describe the “Hutash” What holiday do we celebrate that compares with the “Hutash”? button 9.Marshy areas where streams meet the shore, provide habitat and resting places for local and migrating sea and land birds such as the Blue Heron. It is one of the largest of the coastal birds. It has gray-blue plumage with red thighs. Herons build nests in high trees sometimes within sight of the city. The Chumash used the feathers of these magnificent birds in their clothing. 10.Notice the dagger-like yellow bill. Do you see how the eyes are positioned on either side of the head allowing the bird a wide viewing area for spotting its prey? Hunting herons will space themselves evenly in favorite hunting spots and they will strike out suddenly at prey below the water’s surface. The early ancestors may have learned their hunting techniques from this fascinating bird. 11.The islands and the marshes along the California coast provided a bounty of bird’s eggs that were just waiting to be gathered. Here is just a few of the eggs gathered around the Bjuena Vista Lagoon. 12.Animals such as this also live along the marshy wetlands and are easy to catch for food. 13.This animal is frequently seen scavenging the rivers and marshy areas along our coasts and interiors. 14.Recently scientists have discovered that Birds of Prey may be responsible for the near extinction of the Island Fox. Read more about this discovery in the Channel Island News. 15.Do you think the pups of this small animal would be easy pickings for large birds of prey? How can man save the Island Fox from permanent extinction? This photo was taken at the Channel Island Visitor Center in Ventura Elevation 15ft North 30.16325 West 117.35650 15.One of the most memorable natural sights of the Malibu Lagoon Teacher’s field trip was the air-borne hunting of the Brown Pelicans. After a flock spotted a school of fish, they would plunge headfirst into the water. After disappearing beneath the surface for a few instants, the pelicans then jolted back up to the water’s surface. This amazing bird opens its beak, expands its pouch and catches fish underwater. Its pouch holds up to four gallons of water which it drains before swallowing the fish. Anacapa Island is the major breeding ground of these unusual birds. Unlike the Brown Pelican, the American White Pelican in this photo forages on the surface of the water. It is larger than the Brown Pelican . Its body is all white, it has black wing tips and a large orange bill with yellow eyes. 16.Along with and abundance of animal and bird life the Chumash had many berries and roots to gather for food. The only fruit that grew along the coast was this cactus fruit. The Europeans brought the many kinds of fruits that grow in California today. 17.The Europeans brought a different way of life to the shores of California. Besides many different kinds of plants and animals that destroyed the native plants that the Indians depended upon, the Europeans brought disease that almost wiped out the Native populations. The Mission Period and The Rancho Period in California reduced the number of Chumash Indians that were able to survive without their life style. 18.How many Chumash were living on the mainland and on the islands when the Europeans arrived? What happened to almost bring their civilization to a close? button 19.The Language of the Chumash lives on in the names of places we are familiar with. What does the Indian word for Malibu “Humaliwo” mean? Find the meaning for the Indian word for Point Magu “Muwu” and the meaning of the Indian word for Pismo Beach “Pismu”. When we visit these places we are reminded of this once thriving civilization that lived in harmony with “mother earth” and took only what they needed to survive. Can we learn from them before it is too late for our “mother earth”? button lmacias/tulsa: . . . . Mon, Oct 29, 3:32PM PST (-0800 GMT) Lisa Marie Macias, Tulsa Street Virtual Field Trip The California coast is alive with a huge number of interesting bird species. The Buena Vista Lagoon in Carlsbad, California is a wonderful place to observe native and migratory birds. (N 33.50322 W117.66310) Elevation 91feet. Grasses like these along the California coast provide much food and shelter for many of our local birds as well as for many migratory birds. The Chumash Indians also used the tall grass to make baskets and sandals. This is a painting of a migrating Tern. Terns lay their eggs near the California coast. Unfortunately, some tern species are becoming endangered. The natural areas where the Tern lay their eggs are being taken over by people. As people build more condominiums and stores, the Tern have less opportunity to lay their eggs. Luckily, new laws are protecting these endangered birds. Who do you think built these homes? What “tools” did these birds use? What natural resources could you use to build yourself a home? The red-winged woodpecker builds its home in trees. Why would it choose to build its home in a tree? button Read about an endangered bird in another state. How is this bird like the Tern bird? button Can you find information about another endangered bird of prey? mpapietro -tulsa: . . . . Mon, Oct 29, 4:02PM PST (-0800 GMT) Field Report by Michele Papietro Tulsa Street School From the deep forest to the open country birds of prey soar down forage for food.These picture were taken at the Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center. Elevation 91 ft. North 33.50322 West 117.66310 Birds of prey: The Redtailed Hawk gets its name from its red tail. The American Kesterel is the smallest and most colorful of the North American Falcons. The Golden Eagle is found nearly everywhere in the United States. The habitats bald Eagles’ are near rivers,lakes or even seashores. Prairie Falcons feast on ground squirrels, prairie dog, lizards and birds. How is the diet of the baby bird different? Turkey Vultures are feeders that locate food by vision or smell. The Redshouldered Hawk does most of his hunting from a perch. This Hawk nests in mature trees, usually in oaks. Sharpskinned Hawks and Cooper’s Hawk have larger, narrower shoulders. Red – tailed Hawk is larger and lacks the tail banding. This Owl is about 18-25 inches from beak to tail. It hunts rabbits, rodents, birds, ducks and other Owls. Habit is varied from forest to arid deserts and wooded city parks, nesting in trees , caves on cliff ledges or on the ground. Go to this sight to found out more about the Great Horned Owl. button Get more information about the Red- Tailed Hawk button A. Pitt-Tulsa-Room43: . . . . Mon, Oct 29, 4:07PM PST (-0800 GMT) A. Pitt, Tulsa Street, Room 43 A main source of food for the Chumash was waterfowl. Also various types of bird eggs were gathered. There was a plentiful supply of seeds, roots and berries that allowed the Chumash to thrive along our California coast. Many waterfowl species are attracted to our California waterways because of the shelter and food that is still available. This is true in spite of the encroachment upon their sanctuary by humans and their housing developments. The Chumash took advantage of the migratory patterns of the local waterfowl. These birds returned each year to their local sanctuary for breeding. California’s coastal region has an abundant number of different waterfowls nesting in the area. Buena Vista Lagoon is home to these waterfowl. Notice the variety of waterfowl. How many different kinds can you find? This longneck goose in the foreground is impressive. These cattails are abundant and provide food and shelter for the migratory birds. button The lagoon is located: elevation 91ft., North 33.50322 West 117.66310, Buena Vista Lagoon, located in Carlsbad, California. Notice the homes built in the background. Man is encroaching on the migratory bird’s habitat. How will this impact the future of this sanctuary for future generations? button Canadian Geese stop here each year. button Canadian geese are interesting birds. button Mallard ducks are found in the Chumash region as well. button Mallard ducks are interesting birds.