Käyttäjän stver_j päiväkirja

Start-6:32am
End-8:15am
Condition- Clear; Cool; With a light breeze
Habitat- Marshy outskirts of a shallow reservoir pond.
As more migrants arrive in Pennsylvania I can only imagine that overwintering species are looking upon them, from their primo nesting cavities, and sneering. The risky method of winter habitation in northern climates pays dividends to those who bare the brutal conditions come spring. Chickadees are springing into action again as early rising insects present an opportunity for feasting. All the while some species are leaving the area for seemingly "greener pasture".
Facultative migrants, unlike obligate/fixed migrants and non migrating species, take a more nomadic approach to life. As the winter stores of fermenting fruit and remnant nuts run dry, facultative migrants move on to areas in which some fruits and nuts have already sprung. Migrants, both obligate and facultative, following insect activity return in spring (usually around mid April here). Waterfowl are redistributing to smaller water bodies, frozen over just weeks ago. This time of transition depends heavily on our biome's natural phenological processes. Which seem to be shifting a bit more each year.
If the Wood Duck, Black Ducks, and Mallards that I observed this morning had all met up at the Weiser after departing from Florida's Lake Okeechobee they would have over 9,000 miles combined on their wings. Just thinking about that type of travel gives me road rage:)

04/19/2021
Weiser Forest District Aristes Reservoir
4:45pm-7:00pm
Kayaking in the shallow reservoir; Highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum) and Red Maple (Acer Rubrum) beginning to bloom out along the border of pond. Insects are just finally appearing at water's surface.
Overcast with occasional drizzle
This was a fun trip. It is always to get out in the kayak. I usually go to the Weiser to observe butter butts and Yellow Warblers in the blueberry thickets which run along the northern border of the pond, as well of course for the waterfowl. My warbler search turned out unsuccessful until I passed under the bridge into the more marshy end of the pond. Fluttering in the low cover of a few young blueberry bushes were two Tennessee Warblers. My visit to this portion of the water was only sweetened when I saw around a bend a mother goose. I spent a good bit of time silently observing from the opposite bank. Geese have always intrigued me. It is hard not to have a bit of fear for them, but fear out of respect. The way Canada Geese hold posture makes them one of my favorite photography subjects. When on land they look incredibly strong to me.
I expect the Warblers will be claiming territory within the blueberries any day now. This kind of habit is truly amazing to observe from the water. The quiet provided by slow drifting, as well as the low profile, means you get much better views of movement within thickets. Definitely my favorite subgenera of Ornitherapy.

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