Field Journal 4: Social Behavior and Phenology
On Sunday March 21st, I began my observations at the waterfront in Burlington, VT at 9:30 am and ended at 11:00 am. There was 100% sun and it was 37 degrees. There were obvious signs that is was the second day of spring: birds being very vocal and very active. Many house sparrows were perched up high, basking in the warm sun and observing all of the neighboring species. It seemed as if they were resting, perhaps they just finished foraging or they wanted to recharge in the sun. This behavior fits into the House Sparrow's circadian as well as circannual rhythm as they are adjusting to day length and using their "body clock" that is stimulated in the pineal gland. House Sparrows and all bird species are going through physiological changes as spring is arriving and migrants are coming back to Vermont during this molting period.
I was excited to be able to see Common Mergansers, both male and female, as their plumage is very distinct and unique. This plumage may be beneficial for mating and their behaviors out in open water, especially when compared to Ring-billed Gulls that are very plain in plumage. However, this plain-white plumage benefits that gulls as it limits the contrast between the bright sky and their bellies, disgusting them from their prey in the water. The iridescence present in mergansers may be beneficial to hide them from their own predators, while also repelling water.
When located near trees and more inland, I tried spishing. Based on the fact that I did not see any flocks of birds, I'm assuming it scared off any species that were close by. This could be because it may come off as a sound of aggression. It may be enticing to small birds as they can group together and ward off a predator. They may also believe it is the sound of something they consider familiar or safe.
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