Field Journal - ID and Flight Physiology

Date - February 19
Start time - 2:10
End time - 3:00
Location - across University of Vermont campus and dorms
Weather - overcast, snowing, 29 degrees F
Habitat(s) - residential

On Friday in a birding group we walked around UVM campus from the Aiken center to Redstone campus. Many of the birds we saw were flying by or overhead which gave a good opportunity to watch flight movements of each species. For example I saw Mallards, Ring-billed Gulls, and European Starlings only in flight in the distance. American Robins and American Crows were also seen in flight as well as perched in on buildings and trees. Woodpeckers were seen together in trees.

For an example of observed flight patterns, the mallards I saw were flying high overheard, together in a group of 6. They have a high speed wing shape, and flap their wings consistently and quickly while in the air. This differs quite a bit from the Ring-billed Gull I observed in flight. The gull has high aspect ratio type wings, and it appeared slower and also seemed to glide or soar more than flap. I saw American Robins group together in trees and flying out of and around the trees. American Robins have elliptical shaped wings, which I saw them use for fast takeoffs and maneuvering that they are optimized for.

The three species of woodpecker observed, Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied were not seen much in flight but were in trees close enough they could be identified easily and red coloring could be seen. Body/wing shape in flight and flight patterns (as well as sound) were helpful in identifying birds on the walk, as the weather conditions were not the best for identifying with color or other details that would require a better view.

Julkaistu helmikuu 21, 2021 08:48 IP. käyttäjältä ekate38