sabrinad34's Journal

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.

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.