Field Observation: Ecological Physiology

What are these birds doing to produce or retain body heat?
Black-capped Chickadee:

  • Great insulation: have thick plumage and puff out feathers to trap more air to increase insulation (fluffing)
  • Stay active
  • Remember where they store food so they don't waste energy looking for it
  • Phenomenal circulation in legs
  • Uropygial gland: secretes substances like wax that aid in waterproofing feathers
  • Shivering

American Crow:

  • Flock together for warmth
  • Tucking
  • Torpor (state of unconsciousness)
  • Phenomenal circulation in legs
  • Uropygial gland: secretes substances like wax that aid in waterproofing feathers
  • Great insulation: have thick plumage and puff out feathers to trap more air to increase insulation (fluffing)

Blue Jay:

  • Uropygial gland: secretes substances like wax that aid in waterproofing feathers
  • Great insulation: have thick plumage and puff out feathers to trap more air to increase insulation (fluffing)
  • Gravitate towards dense evergreen forests/vegetation
  • Phenomenal circulation in legs

House Sparrow:

  • Flock together for warmth
  • Uropygial gland: secretes substances like wax that aid in waterproofing feathers
  • Great insulation: have thick plumage and puff out feathers to trap more air to increase insulation (fluffing)
  • Phenomenal circulation in legs
  • Gravitate towards dense thickets and cavities
  • How are the birds budgeting their time (i.e., feeding/resting/breeding/sleeping)?
    Black-capped Chickadees are a highly active species that spend most of their time searching for food sources. A key way they keep warm is not only staying active, but adding on some winter fat to keep insulated. In regard to breeding, Chickadees will stay near their breeding ground during the winter but breeding season isn't until April. Pairs and groups of Chickadees will also flock/sleep together over the winter. During the day, American Crows will scavenge for food. As the day comes to an end, the birds will gather in large numbers and roost together. American Crows breeding season isn't until late March early April and by that point, they stop roosting with one another. Unlike Chickadees and Crows, House Sparrows can begin mating as early as January. In the winter, this species can be found resting for most of the day, and sleeping in their nests at night. Like most species, Blue jays don't start mating until around march. During the winter, Blue Jays will scavenge during the day and then return to their nests at night.

  • What are they eating and/or hunting for?
  • Black-capped Chickadee: Fruits, seeds, insects (eggs and pupae)
  • Blue Jays: Fruits, nuts, seeds, cache acorns/store other foods
  • American Crows: Are not picky eaters whatsoever -- Diet may consist of insects, fruits, seeds, nuts, carcasses, and small vertebrates
  • House Sparrow: Seeds, fruits, grains, discarded food
  • How might their diet be different in other seasons?
    For Black-capped Chickadees, House Sparrow, and Blue Jays, their diets vary depending on the season. Each of these species will eat a higher amount of fruit, insects, and summer plants during the warmer months. Insects and fruit in particular are much more plentiful as the temperatures begin to rise. The American crow may also see an influx in small vertebrates, seeds, fruit, etc. However, due to them not being picky when it comes to food, the changing of seasons doesn't always affect what their eating -- more of how much is available.

  • Where (specifically) on the property might various species overnight?
  • Black-capped Chickadees: Most likely to be found in dense wooded areas. Chickadees are cavity nesters and tend to makes nests in rotten trunks or branches. In regard to trinity campus, Black-Capped Chickadees will be found overnight in the wooded areas surrounding the buildings.
  • House Sparrow: This species prefers to nest in man-made structures but can be found in other areas as well. Popular spots include holes in buildings, rafters, streetlights, trees and birdhouses. In regard to trinity campus, House Sparrows can be found nesting in some of buildings on campus as well as in the surrounding wooded area.
  • American Crow: This specie prefers evergreens to nest but will nest in deciduous trees depending on availability. Nests will also typically be found in the crotch/outer branches of trees. In regard to trinity campus, American Crows could be found on the west side wooded area (primarily evergreen trees)
  • Blue Jay: Similar to the American Crow, Blue Jays will also nest in the crotch or thick outer branches of trees. In regard to trinity campus, the surrounding wooded area is prime nesting habitat.
  • Snag Watch: In both the forested areas on the east and west side of campus, snags were plentiful. With most snags that I saw, there were either large cavities or small holes covering sections, or the whole tree. In total, I saw around 15 different snags between the two forest areas. While nothing poked their head out from tapping, I know that Pileated Woodpeckers are frequently found in snag cavities. However, other cavity nesters also utilize these snags for nesting (ie Black-capped Chickadee). In addition, Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Sapsuckers, etc depend on snags and other rotting wood for food. Generally, insects can be found in abundance in snags. In summary, snags provide a nesting site for birds and are a valuable food source.
    Snag that was riddled with Woodpecker holes: file:///Users/valeriebessette/Desktop/FJ3%20woodpecker%20holes.jpeg
    Snag 2:file:///Users/valeriebessette/Desktop/FJ3%20snag%202.jpeg
    Cavity in tree:file:///Users/valeriebessette/Desktop/Cavity%20in%20tree.jpeg

Julkaistu maaliskuu 8, 2021 04:22 AP. käyttäjältä vbessette vbessette

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Amerikanvaris (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

Havainnoija

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Päivämäärä

Maaliskuu 7, 2021

Kuvaus

Were seen flying above/around trinity campus and winooski

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Varpunen (Passer domesticus)

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Päivämäärä

Maaliskuu 7, 2021

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Only heard this species, wasn't able to see it. However, heard at least two in the woods on trinity campus.

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Amerikanhömötiainen (Poecile atricapillus)

Havainnoija

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Päivämäärä

Maaliskuu 7, 2021

Kuvaus

Only saw three but heard many more. Exact number could not be determined. Were only in the forested areas around trinity.

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Sinitöyhtönärhi (Cyanocitta cristata)

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Päivämäärä

Maaliskuu 7, 2021

Kuvaus

Heard this species but did not see it. At least two different birds were heard.

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