Beating the same drum -- pretty hot today, but again not too humid and a nice breeze to balance out the high temperature. Unfortunately, we continue to see the effects of the drought -- our bunny friends have apparently moved on since the stream branch has dried up next to their burrow. Trees are wilting and even the weeds aren't looking too good.
During my usual early morning trip around the property, we noted three turkey vultures resting atop the tobacco barn. They are frequently resting there in the mornings -- and are probably using the barn for nesting as well. Although often considered with some disgust by modern Americans, these birds are important contributors to the natural process of life and death -- and were sacred birds to many Native American cultures. Their grace and skill in flight is quite amazing -- today, we caught one of them in the "horaltic pose" with wings spread. Although debated by vulture specialists, we'll stick with the prevailing notion that they are drying their wings in preparation for a day of flight.
Volunteers Mark McKee and Brandy Dacus worked with Cy Taylor excavating another part of the south wall trench on our big structure.
While Lynne, Rachel, and Sarah continued excavations on the large trench on the north wall of the structure.
Most of our students and volunteers were working a few hundred meters to the west in our "undiscovered country" (our previous excavation area is in the far background).
Since we have never excavated in this portion of the site before, we are taking things slow and careful -- each unit is being excavated in 10-cm levels and all of the dirt is being screen for artifacts. Despite the fact that they were working in plowzone, it is already apparent that there is a greater density of artifacts in this area -- pieces of stone tools, small fragments of pottery, and other items. We didn't quite make it through the 20-cm plowzone today -- but this area holds promise for a great artifact sample during next week's investigations.
Below, students Jesse, Renee, Teresa and Larry consult with field director Emily Beahm while one of our experienced volunteers -- Ellis Durham -- works at the screen.
At the next unit over, crew chief Jessica Connatser supervises student Gwen Boen and her parents David and Debbie who came by to volunteer.
We have now closed down for a day of rest -- check back on Monday. We will be starting to excavate many features and artifacts now that we've set the stage!