First day in the field. Trying to figure out what I need to figure out. I'd like to collect some extrafloral nectar (i.e. nectar produced at the base of the leaves, not by a flower). They appear ‘active’ (=green or red, not brown or withered) but I can’t seem to collect any. Either the trees are too dry to produce any, or the ants are continuously collecting it, leaving nothing for the aspiring researcher. On a lot of trees ants seem to hanging out the nectaries, which is a good sign. Hopefully I can find a way to keep the ants off them…

After lunch read up on some articles, chat wtih Alison about project design, protocol. Get my first pangs of isolation here at the station.