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My observations were on March 7th, 2021. I started at 12:08pm and ended at 1:45pm. It was 25 degrees but felt like 12 degrees, the wind was at 10 mph and it was sunny with no clouds in the sky. I was in downtown Burlington, VT by the waterfront and Roundhouse Park. The habitat was city am water with sporadic park areas and train tracks. There was heavy foot traffic today.

I came upon a group of European Starlings in a little walkway cove when down by the waterfront. They were all chattering and that's what brought me over. There were more coming in as well. They were in the pine trees next to some bush trees with what looked like seeds or berries and every so often than would fly over to some peck and fly back to the pine trees. The majority of the ones I saw were preening themselves. I figured that they were telling others that they found a good spot with some cover and food next to each other. During the winter this would be a prime location because you wouldn't need to exhaust resources to go looking for food. In a different season I bet they would go to farther lengths to get better more nutritious food but during the winter is close to an abundance of food whether it be the best energy source or not is all you can ask for.

Many of the other birds I saw were calling and eventually met up with another bird of their species. I was assuming they were trying to figure out where some food was. There were big groups of Gulls and Mallards huddling together. I figured this was helping with body heat on this cold day. I did not see many birds fly over unless they got spooked by a dog and they would move in a pack. I am assuming the Starlings were trying to increase heat by being in the densely packed pine trees away from any cold winds.

The Downy Woodpecker I saw was tapping on some trees and the Starlings were picking at some bushes for food. The only time birds would fly is when they got spooked. The majority of the birds I saw were sitting huddled together and/or preening themselves. I am assuming they were using their time trying not to use much energy today as it was very cold.

I saw many nests and figured that birds would be staying there overnight or in European Starlings' case, the pine trees. I didn't see many tree cavities but I thought that's where many birds might be during the time as my walk as to take shelter. The Mallards and Gulls I would assume would find a nice patch of grass in one of the waterfront parks rather than the cold snowbanks of the river overnight.

As I was looking for snags, I was surprised to not find many. I saw a total of 4 and many of them appeared to be too small to hold a bird but I knocked on the trunk regardless. Nothing seemed to pop out during my knocking which I was very disappointed by, but I did notice some fruit and seeds around the base of the tree and wondered if this could be from some inhabitants. I didn't see any cavities but they were all somewhat small. I figured they were small cavities because they were thin snags. I believe the snags are important for nesting especially in the winter as they definitely would help trap heat and brace from the cold. I know that some raptors use snags to nest in but I would figure that some Woodpeckers would use snags as they would be able to make the cavities the easiest.

It was 2/21/21. I started at 9:13 and ended at 10:45. It was 39 degrees out with no clouds and 4mph wind. The habitat was residential with many bushes and trees. the location was the local residential area of downtown Burlington.

My birds were extremely vocal calling each other. Many times they would land in a tree or a house, call out and find some more birds of the same species and fly off together. I witnessed some House Sparrows do this on Hungerford Terrace. I also heard lots of calls and songs in different pitches making me think they were male and females calling to each other possibly finding a mate.

I saw a pair of Northern Cardinals. The male was brightly colored red and calling out his laser beam song. Soon after a female cardinal flew up into the tree. I assume the strength of his voice and the strong color of red attracted the female as a form of sexual selection. I also saw some Black-capped Chickadees. I saw one hopping from tree to tree looking for someone else I presume. Both the male and females are identical but I would assume the brighter colors would allow the male to find a female easier.

I saw a Ring-billed Gull calling out and gliding over the Burlington area. Soon after the bird found more gulls and they all landed on the top of a house in the direct sunlight, looking around. I am assuming since it was the morning that the gull was looking for food or others who might know where food is. This behavior fits in with the circadian rhythm since it was bright sunlight out and very warm on a cool morning. Since they live through hours of sunlight I think he had been flying around earlier that morning and was finding some time to find more gulls and rest.

I found a small foraging flock of House Sparrows in a nearby tree. I walked over and started making pish noises and they all flew away together. I think that I probably spooked them and sent them all scattering. I am assuming that they might associate that sound with a dangerous animal or something negative that can cause harm. They are prey species so they exhibited their fight or flight method and chose flight.