Käyttäjän vbessette päiväkirja

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.

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

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.