Journal #3

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.

Posted on March 8, 2024 07:00 PM by sabrinad34