What are these birds doing to produce or retain body heat?
Black-capped Chickadee:
American Crow:
Blue Jay:
House Sparrow:
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.
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.
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
Were seen flying above/around trinity campus and winooski
Only heard this species, wasn't able to see it. However, heard at least two in the woods on trinity campus.
Only saw three but heard many more. Exact number could not be determined. Were only in the forested areas around trinity.
Heard this species but did not see it. At least two different birds were heard.
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