Käyttäjän vbessette päiväkirja

Time: 7-11:30
Location: Green Mountain Audubon Nature Center, Huntington, VT
Weather: Cloudy and high forties from early to mid morning. Temperatures rising and partly sunny around noon.
Habitat:
Today I took a trip down to the Audubon Nature Center. I first started off at the trails near the main buildings and worked my way around. There, I heard Black-throated-Blue Warblers, Black-throated Green Warbler, and a Ovenbird. I then made my way over to Beaver pond. I walked all throughout that area and saw my first Eastern Bluebird! In the same field, I observed a Eastern Kingbird clinging to tall grass. The building adjacent to this field had Barn Swallows flying overhead as well as some House Sparrows. I then worked my way to the pond were I saw Red-winged Blackbirds chasing each-other back and forth across the marsh. I also stopped in at the bird blind where a Eastern Phoebe had made a nest in the doorway. My next stop was the Bird Museum. When I first got there, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird was feeding at one of the hanging baskets. I then walked all throughout the trails over the bridge. At one point, I made it on top of a ridge where I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and heard a Veery and Black-and-white Warbler. Overall, this was a great spot to test out my skills. I observed some new species, as well as improved my identification skills. The biggest issue with today was the cold...I had to take a couple breaks to warm up and gloves would have been great when using my binoculars. I also found it interesting that I didn't see any waterfowl/water species within the pond. I was expecting some Canada Goose or Wood Duck, but saw no sign of them.

Date: May 27, 2021
Time: 7-11:50
Location(s): Woodside Park and Overlook Park
Weather: Low sixties and cloudy until around noon when the sun came out
Habitat:
Today I started at Woodside Park in Essex. Woodside is primarily deciduous trees, wetland, and river habitat. The understory towards the river was almost entirely ferns with some tall phlox, poison ivy, and some other types of ground cover. When I first entered Woodside, the American Redstart, Red-eyed Vireo, Mourning Dove, and Red-winged Blackbird were the most abundant species. It was tough to see them though due to the canopy being all filled in. The Red-winged Blackbirds however were easily spotted in the tall grasses/swamp that was to the right of the trail. As I worked my way around the loop, I stopped at an area where I got a good view of the Winooski river. At this spot, I saw Barn Swallows flying across the water, a Belted Kingfisher, a female Hooded Merganser, and Spotted Sandpipers across the opposite bank. I also saw one the Sandpipers doing the signature butt bobbing! I also saw quite a few different bird species chasing after one another. Im not sure whether this behavior was territorial, or courtship related?

After I made my way around the loop, I decided to stop in at Overlook Park in Essex. This park is also on the Winooski river and you can either walk through the woods, or along the boulders and cliffs. The trail in the woods section is primarily hardwoods but around the cliffs, theres a lot of cedar and other coniferous trees. While I did find some birds, it was nearly impossible to get clear recordings due to the busy road and river. However, I did see a lot of Common Grackle and a pair of Belted Kingfishers. One of the coolest parts about this spot was I saw some song birds attacking a Northern Harrier. I assume he got a little too close for comfort to some nesting areas and the birds wanted him gone. I also was able to bring a Black-capped Chickadee within arm distance by pishing!

Because I didn't have the best of luck at Overlook Park, I headed back to Woodside. Once there, I took the St.Mikes trail thats a little bit further up the road. The habitat along that trail was virtually the same as the Woodside loop. However, at one point, I did come across an open field with tall vegetation. I also noticed that since I had come back to Woodside, Common Yellowthroat were everywhere. They were the main bird I heard, and saw while walking down this trail. I did also come across quite a few Gray Catbirds and Field Sparrows.

Date: May 26, 2021
Time: 7:20-11:45
Location: Underhill State Park, Underhill, VT
Habitat: Today my assigned birding area was Underhill State park. As many know, Underhill State Park is at the base of Mt.Mansfield. We started by walking the trail leading up to the trail heads, and then hiked to Cantilever rock. As with most mountains, Mansfields forest type changes as elevation increases. Today, because we didn't hike very far, we were in primarily Northern Hardwood Forest. However, as we got closer to Cantilever rock, coniferous trees became more prominent. Birds found in the beginning, and in the hardwoods, included the Red-eyed Vireo, Pileated woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and others. As we climbed in elevation, species like the Yellow-rumped Warbler and White-throated Sparrow were more abundant. Another interesting observation was that I saw some Yellow-rumped Warblers chasing one another. I couldn't tell if they were males or females, but I saw pairs more than once chasing one another through the trees. A hiker we ran into also told us that a pair of hawks dived at her towards the top of the mountain. I assume this was because her and her dog got too close to their nesting site. A technique that worked great today was pishing! More than once I was able to bring birds in with this technique. This was incredibly helpful since majority of the time, you could only hear the birds and not see them. At one point, after only a few minutes of pishing, some Red-eyed Verios, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Black-throated Green Warbler came to the surrounding trees. The biggest difficulty with todays birding was having to identify birds by only song/call...Not only were almost all these species new to me, it was hard to pick up clear recordings. A lot of the time, calls/songs were overlapping or a certain species was more prominent. Red-eyed Vireos for example, dominated with their calls and were by far the most abundant species.

Time: 6:50- 11:00
Location: Colchester Pond, Colchester, VT (location change, discussed with Allan)
Weather: Mid to high sixties, partly cloudy, and windy
Habitat: The targeted species for today were shrub-land/grassland birds. Some of the most popular species from today included the Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow Warbler, and Gray Catbird. The Red-winged Blackbirds could be found throughout the tall grass and dense shrub areas. They were the most abundant species by far. The Yellow Warblers were not seen in the tall grasses, but they were very popular in the thickets bordering fields and swamp. Gray Catbirds also preferred the small/dense vegetation. I observed them the most while walking near the shrubs adjacent to the swamp and areas bordering the fields. Since I was near a relatively large body of water, I also saw waterfowl like the Canada Goose and Mallard. Some other interesting observations included a Common Loon, Great Blue Heron, Pileated Woodpecker, and a Belted Kingfisher. My favorite bird from today was the Baltimore Oriole. Like the Yellow Warbler and Gray Catbird, the Orioles preferred to stay in the shrub/ tree areas. The males vibrant coloring and distinct song made it relatively easy to pinpoint them in the brush. Overall, I found Colchester Pond to be a great place to look for shrub-land/grassland bird species. There are three fields on the southern side of the pond that I spent the majority of my day at. Almost every single one of my species were found in, or around one of those fields. In addition, Colchester Pond provides habitat for many waterfowl and other water dwelling species. As mentioned, I saw Canada Goose, a Common Loon, and a Belted Kingfisher!

Date: May 24, 2021
Time: 7:20-11:45
Location: Delta Park, Colchester, VT
Weather: Mid to high sixties and sunny
Habitat: The habitats of Delta Park are primarily wetlands and shore front areas. The wetlands surround the river feeding into lake Champlain, and support a wide variety of waterfowl and song bird species. Some of the more popular species within this habitat included Canada Goose, Mallards, Great Blue Heron, and Wood Ducks. Contrarily, the shore front habitat had species typically found around large water bodies and coastlines. Examples included Herring Gull, Ring-billed Gull, and Double-crested Cormorant. Some interesting sitings included the Least Sandpiper and Marsh Wren who were found within the tall grasses covering parts of the shoreline. Other more common species, such as the Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, and Common Grackle, were found nesting in the trees bordering the boardwalk.

Bird Songs & Calls:
Eastern Phoebe: file:///Users/valeriebessette/Downloads/20210524_081030%20(1).wav

Marsh Wren:
file:///Users/valeriebessette/Downloads/MARWRE_20210524_112854.wav

Time- 1:20 to 3:30
Date- May 9, 2021
Location- Lost Nation rd Essex
Weather- Mostly sunny and mid to low fifties
Habitat- All habitats visited during this excursion were within the indicated circle on the given map. Habits included oak/hemlock/white pine, wetland, and hemlock/white pine forest.

Extra credit:
I took my mom and sister out with me for this assignment. My sister didn't stay for the full two hours but we visited different areas around my house/neighborhood looking for birds. We started on a trail up the road from us where we didn't see too many birds, but we could hear them. Then we went back to the house where we visited the adjacent wetland and the woods out back. In regard to what my mom and sisters experience was like, I would say it was pretty good! I think the time of day made it difficult to see a lot of birds but we did end up seeing some cool ones. It was also a very nice day out so overall was a fun thing to do together outside.

April 23
Time: 4:30-5:45
Weather: Cloudy, slight wind, and mid 40s
Habitat: Oak/white pine forest
What behaviors (visual and aural) are you seeing that are related to mate selection, nest selection, or territory selection? Where, specifically, on the property might some of your observed species be nesting? How do these habitat requirements differ from species to species? Find a bird that may be defending a territory (i.e.. singing). Is it defending a prime or poor territory compared to other members of its species? What might this indicate about that birds’ fitness? Pick a different bird and describe what it may be using to build or line its nest. Where, specifically, would it have to go to acquire these materials?

In regard to mate selection, I have seen multiple mated pairs on this property. One example is a returning pair of Northern Cardinals. This species of bird is considered monogamous and will mate with the same male or female for life. Cardinals in particular are a very territorial species and are aggressive when it comes to mates and territories. Males are known for attacking other intruding males and will even try to attack their own reflections. When it comes to nesting, Northern Cardinals prefer dense shrubs or trees. The nests tend to be relatively close to the ground and nestled deep in the vegetation.

To begin, American Goldfinches are likely to be found nesting in deciduous trees and shrubs. However, they may also nest in dense weeds or coniferous trees. This property in particular starts with a oak/white pine/hemlock forest and then blends into hemlock/white pine. In addition, there is a wetland right next to the property that is comprised of shrubs, weeds, and other wetland vegetation. Goldfinches could be found nesting in the forks of the oaks, in the weeds of the wetlands, or possibly out back in the majority coniferous forest. Comparatively, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are cavity nesters. They will excavate these cavities in primarily deciduous trees. On this property, there are multiple trees and snags that provide a perfect habit for cavity nesting.

Going back to the Northern Cardinal, the breeding pair was being particularly noisy that day. In recent years, the female would catch her reflection in the car mirrors and poop all over the sides...Furthermore, they are the only pair ever seen on this property. Driving up the road, you will see multiple pairs of cardinals. On this property, due to the aggressiveness of the species, there is only the one pair. In regard to whether or not the pair is defending prime or poor territory, I would say prime habitat. To begin, there is a bird feeder that is refilled almost everyday. In addition, there is plenty of fruit bearing trees on this property. Due to the adjacent wetland, insects are in abundance and will typically hatch as the days get warmer. As mentioned previously, Northern Cardinals prefer to nest in dense vegetation. This property has plenty of options when it comes to nesting. Not only are the food sources plentiful, the habitat is perfect for nesting. Because of this, I would say that this pairs choice of territory indicates relatively good fitness.

While I didn't see the Barred Owl during my initial birding time (8:19pm), I really wanted to add it to this post! Barred owls also have interesting nesting behavior. Unlike other species, Barred Owls won't typically construct their own nests. In fact, they will use old hawk, crow, or squirrel nests. They may also be found nesting in cavities within trees, snags, and nest boxes. In order to "acquire these materials," Barred Owls must search for either an abandoned nest, a hollow tree/snag, or a nesting box.

Mini Activity- Sound Map: Sit in one spot for 5-10 minutes listening to the birdsong in earshot. Using a blank piece of paper, draw a large circle and mark a dot at the center (the dot represents your location). For each song or sound you hear, notate its rough direction and distance from you, and attempt to “notate” the quality of the sound with squiggles, musical notes, or some other format that makes sense to you. This activity is wonderful for parsing and organizing the cacophony of sound we often hear in the woods this time of year.

Time: 1:30 pm
Date: April 14, 2020
Location: Trinity Campus (UVM) -- 250 Colchester ave, Burlington, VT
Habitat:

• Multiple buildings that are being utilized for nesting/shelter by House Sparrows
• Surrounding wooded area is comprised of oaks and white pines
• Ornamental tree species, like crab apple and cherry, are frequented throughout the day

Date: 03/30/21
Weather: Clear skis, little to no wind, and sunny
Temperature: 55
Habitat where observations were taken: Back yard, White pine and oak surrounding forest, also borders a wetland

Out of all the species I observed, each are non-migratory. Most of these birds forego migration because their food sources don't disappear, and they are built to withstand the cold. In regard to food, the species observed will all eat nuts, berries, seeds, and fruit. All of which are available during Vermont winters. Contrarily, birds that rely on insects typically migrant due to their food source being gone. Furthermore, my observed species all have ways to stay warm during winter. Techniques like fluffing allow for feathers to trap air and in turn, insulate the bird. Some species, like crows, will roost together to trap body heat and stay warm. Lastly, simple actions, like facing into the wind, conserves heat by keeping the feathers down.

While I didn't see any Canada Goose on the day of my observations, they have been flocking back to VT over these past few weeks. Typically during the winter, Canada Geese will fly south. When breeding season comes around, they return to northern regions. However, depending on conditions, Canada geese will stay year-round. The biggest determining factor is whether or not water freezes over. Geese need open water to be able to get away from predators and dive for food. Once the first cold front hits and water bodies start to freeze, geese will start to head to warmer destinations. When considering the advantages and disadvantages of arriving in early April, a big one is fluctuations in weather patters. While it is starting to get warmer, VT still gets freezing temps and snow storms. In addition, spring time flooding from snow melt makes a lot of habitat surrounding rivers, ponds, etc unavailable. For advantages, arriving in early April means first dibs on territories since some species have still not arrived. Having plants coming in and grass turning green also indicates a readily available food source.

While I didn't see any migratory birds (obligate or facultative) during my observations, I decided to do this activity on Canada geese.
Canada Goose: From lake Champlain to Atlanta, GA is about 1,020 miles. However, this distance will vary depending on where the bird is coming from and where it is going.

Location: Essex, VT
Weather: Clear skies, little to no wind, and 58 degrees
Habitat: Backyard bird-feeder/yard

How (specifically) are your birds interacting? What audio and/or visual cues do these birds employ to communicate, and what are they trying to “say?”
Both the Black-capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmouse's were in large groups of at least 6-8 individuals. Each of these two species came to the feeder as soon as food was put in, and stayed near one another. The Black-capped Chickadees in particular were very vocal at the feeder. They could have been communicating about the new food source, location, or the fact that I was present. The Tufted Titmouse however was not nearly as noisy. You could hear them from time to time but it seemed like each bird followed another over. Once one titmouse arrived, many more followed. One cue that I picked up on from a Tufted Titmouse was breeding behavior. From below a large oak tree, I could see and hear a Tufted Titmouse up in the branches rapidly fluttering wings and a high pitched call.

In contrast to these two social species, the White-breasted Nuthatch was on its own. It flew over about thirty minutes after the food was put out and seemed rather weary of me being there. Comparatively, the Black-capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmouse were weary of me, but had no issue coming to the feeder. The Nuthatch circled around, eventually got closer and closer, and when it finally came to the feeder, it took off as soon as it touched down. After this first siting, I did not see this bird again.

When I first started my observations, I could faintly hear a mourning dove. There were points were it got louder, but I never saw one at the feeder nor in the surrounding woods.

Summary: From these observations, I saw a variety of interactions. The Black-Capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmouse seemed comfortable with one another and shared the feeder. However, the Chickadees came in a larger group and stuck close by one another. Furthermore, I did notice breeding behavior from one Tufted Titmouse. The White-breasted Nuthatch however seemed rather weary and didn't stick around for long. Whether this was due to my presence or the large quantity of other birds was unclear.

In regard to communication, I think many were saying "food!". Not five minutes after I put seed out, I had groups of Chickadees and Titmouse appearing. While some may have simply seen me put the food out, im confident that they relayed the message to others. I then assume that other species, like the Nuthatch, picked up on this chatter or also saw me go to the feeder. Another piece that the birds may have been passing back and forth could have been that I was present.

Compare and contrast the plumage of two or more species you observe, considering the evolutionary advantages to the colors and/or patterns that the birds exhibit. Focusing on an individual bird, discuss what it was doing (foraging, resting, etc.), and how that behavior fits in the context of its circadian and/or circannual rhythm.

Black-capped Chickadee and Tufted Titmouse
Both Black-Capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmouse winter in Vermont and therefore, are very well insulated birds. Furthermore, both utilize their plumage in conserving heat. They do this by fluffing their feathers which in turn, creates airspaces which trap heat. Chickadees and Titmouse also have similar coloration (melanins). Both have light grey coloring on their backs and pale breasts. However, Chickadees have their signature black caps and white faces, while Tufted Titmouse have a crest and light brown under their wings. Despite their slight differences, both of these birds plumages allow them to blend in to their habitat. Titmouse and Chickadees prefer thickets, dense forest cover, etc. Having melanin-based coloration enables them to camouflage in to branches, bark, and surrounding vegetation.

Black-capped Chickadee: Foraging.
-Foraging fits in the context of its circadian rhythm because its essential in a normal 24-hour cycle. Birds use this internal clock to measure day length. In turn, they know what "time" to do things and when it will be the most beneficial.

Mini Activity- Spishing: Each time you come across a few chickadees or a small foraging flock, solicit some “pish” calls to attract their attention. Make a repeated “psssh” sound, experimenting with different volumes and timbres. Done correctly, it sometimes attracts small birds, sometimes drives them away, and always makes you feel slightly foolish. Nevertheless, “spishing” is a tried-and-true method for altering bird behavior, so give it a try. The question to reflect on is- why does this work? What about this particular sound is so enticing to small birds?

This works because "psssh" is considered a "scold." Not only that, but spishing is recognized by a variety of species. This is because it indicates alarm/lets other birds know something is up. Typically, birds will make noises similar to this when predators are around. Its enticing to small birds because they relate this noise to danger/alarm.