Mating Behavior

Date: 04.25.2021
Time: 5:00-6:45
Location: Zion Grove, Pa
Habitat: Interface of Forest edge along corn field; grassland; farm wetland (spring located in wetland creates very steep and heavily covered riparian microhabitat)

Mating season on farmland habitats seems to be more overtly related to territory than the forest. While grassland/farmland birds are not necessarily more territorial, their territory defense and mating activity is more visible. Red-winged Blackbirds are the embodiment of territoriality to me. Especially in mid spring, the fight for mere feet of land is constant. Encroachments from all angles must be snuffed out, or a territory could be parceled out by your neighbor Blackbirds. As new invaders (both Blackbird and Grackle) land from overhead, looking for some food or maybe a perch, the territory owner must spring into action. Eager neighbors seize these opportunities to encroach and take over any bit they can. These battle scenes play out over small fractions of time, and the calm re-establishment that follows is a favorite behavior of mine to observe. There seems to be moments where a "ceasefire" occurs. During these moments, individuals perch from the high point of their territory and call heavily. Maybe this is a bit clerical work in terms of establishing borders. Birds with the lowest max perch height seem to have less developed shoulder patches (possibly younger or weaker).

Blue Jays made constant trips between the wetland portion of the field and the forest edge. When building nests, Blue Jays make these trips to bring materials back to their nest sites in the forest. Corn stalks and grasses are utilized most for these nests.

Key:
A- Red-winged Blackbird
B- Grackle
C- Blue Jay
D- Song Sparrow
E- Mourning Dove
F- Wild Turkey
G-Northern Cardinal
H- Red-eyed Vireo
R- American Robin

Julkaistu huhtikuu 26, 2021 06:13 IP. käyttäjältä stver_j