Field Journal#3
Date: 3/2/2023
Start Time: 1:50pm
End Time: 2:30pm
Location: Derway Island Nature Preserve
Weather: 36˚F, snow, NNW 10mph
Habitat(s): deciduous forest, waterfront
Field Journal#3
On Thursday, I visited the Derway Island Nature Preserve to see a diverse array of species. The Nature Preserve is located by the Winooski River and the Burlington Wastewater Plant, providing many types of habitats within one area. Initially, I went deeper into the deciduous forest because I thought I would be able to see more species there. I was surprised to find that the majority of visible species were actually on the edges of the preserve. There were Ring-billed Gulls soaring in circles around the water treatment facility. In the neighboring trees, the calls of Black-capped Chickadees could be heard. Along the water was where the greatest diversity of bird species was. Tufted Titmouses could be seen and heard throughout the trees and occasionally soaring over the river. Black-capped Chickadees also resided in the trees. In the water was a flock of Canada Gooses, and in the air were a few American Crows.
There were noticeable changes in behavior and species diversity from my previous visits. While Tufted Titmouses generally exist in pairs, in the winter they form small flocks. This was apparent in the trees, as there were many Tufted Titmouses. Canada Geese, as well as other waterfowl, have many adaptations that help them survive winter. They have a thick coat of down feathers that they use for insulation. Additionally, Canada Geese have a counter blood circulation system which regulates their blood temperature throughout their body, preventing the air exposed or water exposed parts from being too cold. Canada Geese will also tuck their feet under their bodies in order to conserve body heat. Black-capped Chickadees also have a coat of down feathers during winter, allowing them to remain in their habitat and not migrate. A species that does migrate from Derway for winter is the Great Blue Herring. This species has been visible in most of my previous visits to Derway, but this visit took place when they had migrated south.
Birds in this area did not seem to reside in snags. There were no ground species, which likely contributed to this, as most of the dead trees were fallen. Snags are residents to insects that birds consume. An example of a species that would take advantage of a snag is a Pileated Woodpecker. I have seen both Pileated Woodpeckers and Downy Woodpeckers in previous visits to Derway, but none were present during this past visit.
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