sabrinad34's Journal

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 – 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 – 4/28
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