FJ7 - Field Observation: Reproductive Ecology and Evolution
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.
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