sabrinad34's Journal

Date – 4/28
Start time – 1:30pm
End time – 2:20pm
Location – Old North End
Weather–
o Temp- 61 degrees and cloudy and light rain
o Wind speed- 9 mph (light)
o Precipitation- yes
o humidity - 70%
Habitat –
o walked by a cemetery, and on a road with adjacent woodland
o lots of gardening activity and bird feeders surrounding homes

Notes:
o I suspect reduced bird activity due to the rain. when there were moments where the rain slowed down,
birds did become a bit more active.
o big presence of backyard birds, songbirds, ect.
o Little human activity at this time

Date – 4/16
Start time – 4:40
End time – 5:45
Location – Centennial Woods
Weather–
o Temp- 56 degrees and cloudy
o Wind speed- 17 mph (moderate)
o Precipitation- 0%
o precipitation 39%
Habitat –
o conifer stands, mixed hardwoods, fields, streams, and wetlands
o in close proximity to roadways
o some areas with bird feeders

During my observations near bird feeders on the outskirts of Centennial Woods, I had the chance to witness some intriguing behaviors among the resident bird species. One aspect that particularly caught my attention was the dominance of Hairy Woodpeckers in the area. It seemed like they were keen on asserting their territory, especially when other birds approached the feeders or nearby trees. Their territorial calls were quite striking and seemed effective in warding off potential competitors. Another interesting observation was the abundance of nests situated close to the feeders. This proximity to food sources could potentially play a significant role in nest selection, likely contributing to the overall fitness of the birds in the vicinity. It's possible that birds with easy access to food might have a better chance at finding suitable mates. Additionally, I noticed that different bird species had varying habitat preferences, with some favoring wooded areas while others preferred more open spaces. Lastly, it was fascinating to see the different materials each species used for nest-building, ranging from wood chips and twigs to moss and feathers. These observations provided valuable insights into the behaviors and habitat preferences of the bird community in Centennial Woods, offering a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of mate selection, nest selection, and territory defense.

Date – 4/7
Start time – 11:30pm
End time – 12:30pm
Location – Pomeroy Park and surrounding residential areas
Weather–
o Temp- 49 degrees and sunny
o Wind speed- 9 mph (light)
o Precipitation- 0%
Habitat –
o Pomeroy Park
o lots of gardening activity and bird feeders surrounding homes
o Lots of human activity happening in this area, especially with the eclipses coming up
o big presence of backyard birds, songbirds, ect.
o the park is a green space with a basketball court, some isolate planted trees

Observations:
Temporal Significance: My choice of timing for avian observation yielded an abundance of bird activity, characterized by a lively chorus of calls and songs. This temporal context likely reflects a significant phase in the seasonal cycle, possibly indicative of the advancing spring.

Diverse Vocalizations: Notable was the auditory richness consisting of a myriad of avian vocalizations. One particularly intriguing audio clip captured a blend of familiar and unfamiliar bird calls. Despite earnest attempts, certain species' identifications remained elusive, prompting further investigation and contemplation.

Seasonal Dynamics: The observed surge in avian activity suggests ongoing seasonal transition within our vicinity. Factors such as territorial disputes among incoming migrants and increased foraging activities, likely in response to burgeoning food resources, contribute to this heightened avian presence.

The Eclipse 4/9:
Although I didn't complete my birding excursion on the day of the eclipse, I took a moment to observe how the birds might be affected by the sudden change in daylight. I was at North Beach along the water, and while there, I observed many gulls, which I believed to be Herring Gulls, as well as common loons out in the water. Before the eclipse began, I noticed a lot of avian movement throughout the area, nothing out of the ordinary. However, as the eclipse approached totality, I observed a decrease in avian movement. Gulls were foraging less and less, and when the eclipse reached totality, I hadn't observed any birds in the air. Looking around, I noticed many gulls perched in trees, almost as if they were resting. I believe this behavior is due to their circadian rhythms; they sensed it was getting dark and prepared for nighttime. Once the sun began reemerging, it didn't take long for the birds to resume their foraging endeavors. Overall, it was a fascinating experience, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to observe how birds react in such moments.

Date – 3/25
Start time – 12:00pm
End time – 1:13pm
Location – Old north end suburbs
Weather–
o Temp- 40 degrees and sunny
o Wind speed- 7 mph (light)
o Precipitation- 0%
Habitat –
o suburban area, lots of bird houses and feeders, little to no forested area, cars passing which creates some noise pollution
o lots of gardening activity and bird feeders surrounding homes
o Lots of human activity happening in this area
o big presence of backyard birds, songbirds, ect.
o snowstorm occurred a couple days ago, snow packed in yards, and sidewalk buffers

The year-round resident that I have observed throughout this winter include the Black-capped Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, Pileated Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, and waterfowl like the Common Goldeneye. They each possess unique adaptations enabling them to thrive in this environment without the need for migration. These adaptations can be sorted into physiological and behavioral strategies. Physiologically, these birds adjust their metabolic rates to generate more heat during colder temperatures, sport dense plumage or layers of down feathers for insulation, and conserve energy by altering their activity levels. Behaviorally, they engage in food caching to ensure a steady food supply during winter, participate in communal roosting to conserve heat, and may collaborate in foraging efforts to improve resource acquisition. Waterfowl like the Common Goldeneye, equipped with streamlined bodies, waterproof feathers, and specialized adaptations for diving, thrive in Burlington's aquatic habitats year-round. Similarly, the Pileated Woodpecker, with its strong bills and neck muscles for excavating tree cavities, adjusts its activity levels and diet to cope with winter conditions. These adaptations collectively illustrate the remarkable resilience and adaptability of Burlington's resident bird species to diverse environmental challenges.

As spring approaches, the arrival of facultative migrants like the American Woodcock will begin. These birds, originating from more southern regions, undertake a northward journey in search of abundant food resources and suitable nesting sites as the winter season transitions into spring. Their migration patterns are closely tied to environmental cues, particularly changes in temperature and resource availability. The shift in environmental conditions, marked by increasing temperatures and daylight hours, creates a hospitable environment for these migrants in Burlington. As the landscape awakens from its winter slumber, insects and earthworms become more plentiful, providing essential food sources for birds like the American Robin and the American Woodcock. Additionally, the burgeoning vegetation offers prime nesting opportunities, further enticing these migrants to journey northward. Arriving in Burlington during early April presents various advantages for these birds. The abundance of food resources and optimal nesting conditions increase the likelihood of successful reproduction, contributing to the growth of their populations. However, this early arrival also comes with its set of challenges. Late spring snowstorms or sudden drops in temperature can disrupt food availability and pose risks to survival. Furthermore, competition for nesting sites and resources may be heightened due to the simultaneous arrival of multiple individuals.

Mini Activity:

While I didn't personally witness any of the new spring arrivals, I selected several species for observation, including the American Woodcock, the Red-winged Blackbird, and the American Robin. After researching their migration patterns on "All About Birds," I discovered that the American Woodcock migrates from the tip of Florida to Burlington for breeding, covering approximately 1,379 miles, as confirmed by Google Earth. Similarly, the Red-winged Blackbird travels from Guadalajara, Mexico, spanning about 2,402 miles to reach Vermont during breeding season. Although some American Robins reside in Vermont year-round, many spend their winter months in northern Mexico and southern Florida, resulting in a migration distance of up to 2,163 miles to return to Vermont. In total, these migrations accumulate to approximately 5,944 miles.

Date – 3/8
Start time – 11:00am
End time – 12:00pm
Location – Winooski suburbs
Weather–
o Temp- 41 degrees and sunny
o Wind speed- 16 mph (moderate)
o Precipitation- 0%
Habitat –
o suburban area with woodland surrounding, lots of bird houses and, deciduous forest surrounding
homes right by Landry park
o lots of gardening activity and bird feeders surrounding homes
o undeveloped land coexisting with developed land

During my recent observations in a suburban woodland area, I spent time closely observing the behaviors and interactions of various bird species. One of the most striking birds I encountered was the Pileated Woodpecker. It's quite easy to spot with its black and white feathers and a distinctive red crest on its head. These woodpeckers were busy foraging for food, often pecking away at the trees in search of insects. While they weren't particularly vocal during my observation, their presence was certainly noticeable as they moved through the trees. This behavior is likely driven by their high metabolic rate, as they need a constant source of energy to sustain their active lifestyle. The intermittent vocalizations observed during their foraging activities may serve as a means of communication with other woodpeckers or to establish territory boundaries. However, their primary focus appeared to be on obtaining food, suggesting a direct link between their metabolic needs and foraging behavior. In contrast, the smaller Black-capped Chickadee caught my attention with its constant chatter and lively movements. These birds, whose plumage is black and white, were quite social, often seen in small groups flitting from tree to tree. They seemed to communicate a lot with each other through their calls, creating a lively atmosphere in the area. This could be attributed to their lower metabolic rate compared to the Pileated Woodpecker, allowing them to allocate more energy towards socializing and vocalizing.

Mini Activity:
Intriguingly, when I made a specific sound called spishing, some of the chickadees seemed to respond with curiosity, coming closer to investigate. Their curiosity and willingness to investigate the unfamiliar noise suggest a certain level of adaptability and energy reserves that allow for exploratory behavior. This behavior could be advantageous in suburban environments where resources may vary, requiring birds to be flexible in their foraging strategies. The effectiveness of "spishing" as a method to alter bird behavior lies in its ability to mimic sounds that small birds perceive as potential food sources or signals of danger. In response, these birds often approach the source of the sound, driven by their innate instincts to investigate potential opportunities or threats in their environment.

Sabrina Doyle
Birding Journal #2

Date - 2/19
Start time - 12:20pm
End time - 1:26 pm
Location - Red Rocks Park, South Burlington VT
Weather - 23 degrees Fahrenheit, sunny, no precipitation, light wind 8mph
Habitat(s) - heavily forested area next to Lake Champlain. Deciduous forest, birch, maple, ash trees present, a lot of snags and dead growth.

Birds observed:

• White-breasted Nuthatch
• Tufted Titmouse
• Black-capped Chickadee
• Brown Creeper
• Common Goldeneye
• Maybe a Pileated Woodpecker?? too far to identify

Many of the bird species observed utilize similar techniques to maintain warmth and fitness throughout the winter months. To retain body heat, they fluff up their feathers to create insulating layers and may also seek sheltered areas such as tree cavities or dense foliage. Time budgeting involves a balance between feeding, resting, and conserving energy. During winter, their diet typically shifts towards high-energy foods like seeds, berries, and insects that are readily available. In other seasons, their diet may include a wider variety of foods such as fruits and nectar. During the Night, birds may seek secure roosting spots within tree cavities, or dense vegetation to shelter from cold temperatures and predators. As for the potential Pileated Woodpecker sighting, if confirmed, it would exemplify similar survival strategies but may also rely on its larger size to maintain body heat and potentially excavate deeper cavities for roosting. Overall, these observations underscore the remarkable adaptations and behaviors that enable birds to thrive in winter's challenging conditions.

While walking through the trails of Red Rocks there were a large number of snags in the area with varying hole sizes, I spotted about 10 snags/dead trees throughout my 60-minute excursion. My birding experience took place mid-day and so when I was practicing this activity by whacking the snags with sticks, I had no luck and seeing anything within the cavities of the snags. This may be due to the time of day, and it is notable to mention that where there were snags, there was a lot of bird activity on the surrounding trees. In terms of the importance of snags, they are crucial specifically for bird species. They provide essential habitat for woodpeckers, owls, and songbirds, offering nesting sites, roosting spots, and perches. Woodpeckers excavate cavities in snags for nesting, which are later used by other birds. Owls rely on large tree cavities within snags for shelter and breeding sites. Songbirds, such as chickadees and nuthatches, utilize snags for nesting and perching, while feeding on insects and seeds found in decaying wood. Snags support a diversity of bird species and are integral to maintaining healthy bird populations in ecosystems.