Scattered Sun Crystal D. Peralta
Gambel Quail Nesting Habits
1”=200’
Nests are most often built on the ground out of nearby vegetation, likely of the plants they feed from. These nests are located near thorny vegetation in order to protect eggs from predators. Nests are bordered by small twigs, grass stems, and a few feathers. Eggs are white with brown splotches, the young are guarded by the male until hatched and will form mixed-age coveys of quail once all are hatched.
Eating Habits Feed mostly on seeds, beans, and flowers of Mesquite and Palo Verde trees, vegetation with low leaves are ideal for Gambel Quail. Along with seeds and flowers, this bird will eat small fruits such as those of the prickly pear or cactus fruit. On occasion they will feed on small insects as well. * Will regularly ingest sand and tiny pebbles to crush food and digest easily
Identifying Features Plump volleyball shaped birds with wings that are broader than their bodies. Both sexes are colored in earth toned hues for desert camouflage. Males have a distinguishing topknot of feathers and are striped with orange on a rufous chest. Unable to fly for long periods but rather fly sporadically when escaping danger, will travel in coveys of 12 or more quail.
Habitat Design
Design Goals
Concept Statement
The goal of this design is to provide a true desert landscape to its inhabitants as well as its visitors. In order to attain this goal, the design will incorporate native plants to attract desert wildlife. By strenghtening the designs use of local geology, the site will enhance the landscape by making it become a part of the desert rather than a site placed in the desert. In order to encourage visitors attendance, the design will incorporate maps at trailheads which lead visitors to a viewing site as well as smaller trails to connect to the landscape. By doing so, the design will enhance the understanding of the local flora and fauna by educating its visitors on its ecology and hydrology in order to explain how this environment can sustain its wildlife. The design plans to restore the importance of the history of Moeur Park and revive its true beauty by enhancing its locality and attracting visitors to explore what it has to offer.
The concept for the Desert Oasis design is based on encompassing the natural desert. As trails connect to the proposed viewing site, walkways are lined with native desert plants which will attract native fauna to the surrounding area. As one trail leads to the main site, visitors will have the opportunity to learn of the desert ecology and the living habitat of the Gambel Quail marked by maps and informational guides. The proposed location oversees the Indian Bend Pump Ditch, located in a cooler microclimate allowing for a better environment for visitors as well as a living habitat for the Gambel Quail to thrive. By providing shade to visitors with mesquite, ironwood, and foothill palo verde trees, all of which can thrive in the desert environment. The site will accomodate a more comfortable visiting site leading to a larger amount of visitors who will be attracted to the site. The design maintains a desert view as well as one of the Tempe skyline, tying in the true proximity of the desert to local civilization, all of which encompass the beauty of a desert within a cityscape.
Hardscape Materials
1”=20’
Concrete
Arizona Mesquite
Prosopis velutina
Foothill Palo Verde
Parkinsonia floridum
Chuparosa
Justicia californica
Brittlebush
Encelia farinosa
ALA 225: Fall 2015 Design Fundamentals III
Prickly Pear Cactus
Genus opuntia
Rusted Metal
Saguaro Cactus
Carnegiea gigantea
Gabion Walls
Agave
Agave americana
Student: Crystal Peralta Instructor: James Coffman