8 August 2008 Paradise Found - Tundra Homesteads for Lemmings

Journal

Another nice day for Barrow, 40’s, light breeze, clouds and fog. Overall, pretty nice. The Driftwood Feature continued to occupy my time and energy, as well as the energy of 5 other people. Lots of material coming out, over 160 artifacts pulled out today. Mostly wood, a few fish scales, a couple of shells, and some faunal (animal) bones. We’ll be back at it on Monday, trying to get the materials that are exposed, shot in. I will sketch the area from a picture tomorrow so it is easier to envision what we are working on.

Today’s topic is based on a walk I took last Sunday. As you walk across the tundra, anywhere at all up here, you will find lemmings darting this way and that, diving from one burrow to another. My trip last weekend was no different. This is the first of two pieces documenting a lemming’s view of the world.

Before I go too far into this journal, visit one of the two websites below for more detailed information about this tundra rodent.

http://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/html/lemming.html http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-lemming.html The world of the lemming is a very exciting place. There is food to be found, predators to be avoided, and all sorts of scientists to stay away from. All of these things keep a lemming on her toes. Here’s the basics of lemming life, tomorrow more details will be included.

Lemming Hiding Under Grate — The lemming's eyes are great for noticing objects moving in to make lunch. This lemming must know he is all set under the grate. I looked away for the snowy owls and the little guy was gone

Every lemming needs a home or shelter. The burrow is essential to avoid predators and to get out of the cold. There are lots of entrances to lemming burrows, one reason is so if an ermine comes in one door, a quick lemming can dodge out the back door.

Lemming View - Home Sweet Home — The lemming view of the homestead is not something the lemming stops to savor often. Run right in the door!!

Back Door — The back door has no flowers or other fancy plants along the walkway.

Lemmings are orderly animals so paths are laid out, and traveled over frequently. These trails connect the different burrows or burrow openings. They also allow access to favorite places to go for the most delicious grass and sedges.

Lemming View - Path — The lemming path looks great from this position. A little overhead cover and snack along the way is available.

The Network of Lemming Trails — The lemming trails criss-cross the tundra.

Finally, a self-respecting lemming needs an outhouse for waste products. It seems live the lemming have found just the right place, something left by those pesty scientists.