Field Journal 2 (EMILY SMITH)

Date: 2/21/21
Start Time : 9:09 am
End Time: 10:45 am
Location: Redstone Campus, UVM, Burlington, VT
Weather: 20 degrees F, 100% sun, 5 mph North-West wind
Habitat: Residential, open areas, trees (both conifers and deciduous) spread out

There was a variety of different wing and flight types among the species spotted today. First the Common Raven was spotted flying over head as well as one perched on top of the water tower. Common Ravens are generalists and their wings show that. They have elliptical wings which work well for both flying through trees and in open spaces. When in flight the Raven continuously flapped its wings, and never glided. White-breasted Nuthatch and the Black-capped Chickadee were two other species spotted that have an elliptical wing shape. This wing shape is good for this species because they are both generalists that typically feed in trees and in forested areas.

Individuals and a group of predominantly Herring Gulls (possibly with a few Ring-billed Gulls) was seen. These Gulls have high aspect ratio wings, which allowed them to glide through the air with very minimal effort and flapping. They were seen possibly riding hot air currents up, because they were going up in circles. They require this wing type for distance flying for migration they are typically seen near water which tends to have greater winds and therefore their wings need to have less drag.

Rock Pigeons were spotted perched on building rooftops and chimneys. There was also a Rock Pigeon seen in its nest between the slants of two roofs. Mourning Doves were seen feeding below a bird feeder in a yard. Rock Pigeons and Mourning Doves both have high speed wings which allow them to fly away from predators or potential threats nearby, which is important when in open areas, and they are also able to fly very long distances because their wings are fairly pointed at the ends.

A couple species spotted that have a mixture of high speed wings and elliptical wings were the American Robin, Common Redpolls and Red Crossbills. The American Robins were seen feeding on the berries below and on a Crabapple Tree. American Robins are generalists and found in a variety of habitats so it would make sense that they would have a mix of wing types which allow them to evade predators and fly through crowded forests/shrubbery. The Redpolls and Red Crossbills had moreso the high speed wing with some elliptical shape to it. They are both fast flying migratory birds that feed on coniferous trees.

Julkaistu helmikuu 21, 2021 08:16 IP. käyttäjältä esmith7