Ornithology Journal 6

Eli Tierney
• Date/ time: 4/21/24/ 12:00 pm to 1:00pm
• Location: Nature area off of Lime Rock Rd in South Burlington.
• Weather: 40- 50s, partially cloudy, minimal wind
• Habitat: Trees and dense shrubbery around the pond and stream. Species identified include eastern cottonwood, sumacs, and river birch. Long grass in moister areas near the river bank.
Species:
-Common grackle (4)
-Gull (6)
-American robin (2)
-Northern Cardinal (2)
-Black-capped chickadee (1)
-Carolina Wren (1)
-Northern Flicker (1)

Field Journal 6:
During my observations, I noticed a large number of calls and singing happening. These calls varied indicating many types of species and communication happening at once. With the weather warming, more birds are returning to the area and I presume territory is being created and defended using these calls. Additionally, these calls can be used to attract other birds as mates. I noted birds dating between trees and shrubbery as well as flying to other small groups. This could indicate a search for mates or searching for nesting materials. They could also be scouting areas out to access where a good place to nest would be.
I observed some Common Grackles high up in a tree. They typically nest high up on coniferous trees between vertical limbs. Their preferred habitats are often near bodies of water such as the ponds and rivers close by. Their nesting habitats can vary widely though, with some nests only being 8 inches off the ground. On the other hand, Ring-billed Gulls keep their nests low to the ground near bodies of freshwater. This makes their nesting habitat more specific as they typically nest in areas with sparse vegetation such as rocky beaches.
On my way out I observed a Black-capped Chickadee singing on a tree in the parking lot. They would be considered defending poor territory as the more prime territory would be in woods, groves, or any area where they would have more available food sources and cover. A bird defending poor territory could indicate lower fitness. Higher-quality habitat would have more competition and the bird would need to defend against more birds. If they are not fit to defend a higher quality habitat, they would have to defend a lower quality habitat they would maintain. One species I observed, the Northern Cardinal, makes cupped nests. They use twigs bent together to create the bowl shape. They also use grass, strips of grapevine bark, stems, and more twigs to create the full structure made in shrubbery and trees. They would likely take materials near the nesting sites which would include fields, backyards, and edges of woods.

הועלה ב-אפריל 23, 2024 01:55 לפנה"צ על ידי