Last time we spoke I had just identified all the samples of freshwater invertebrates that I took from 3 streams on the Campsies. I did a little spot of data analysis and found what looked to be a relationship between where my species of interest (the Upland Mayfly) was found and the order of the stream it was found in. So we went back out in January to gather some more data (in the form of more kick samples) at a different location - on a tributary of the Culter, which was charmingly covered in a good layer of snow at the time :)
I've since tested this data but it's not really showing a similar pattern to the first lot, but that may be due a number of reasons, but not to worry! On the whole I'm finding the data analysis very confusing and find myself frequently doubting what I've done. It doesn't help that when I do a bit of internet research for help that it seems to constantly contradict what I've been taught in the past. There are so many statistical tests that you can carry out and so many that have certain assumptions that it's very easy to become overwhelmed and lose sight of what you are trying to do in the first place. I'm hoping to get a bit of guidance this week to put me at ease - or alternatively I'll have to do all my analysis again!
In other news, I managed to get back out CRIMPing again for the first time since November, mainly due to the weather over the winter, and general lack of free-time. The haul was pretty good but I did notice that there were a few freshwater hoglice and blackfly larvae, something that I've never come across in my samples since starting the monitoring program, however there were plenty of mayflies and stoneflies present indicating good water quality as usual.
Here's a photo of a nice big stonefly, one of two that we caught.
Well, into the breach once more dear friends, see you on the other side!
