joshsaxe's Journal

Montpelier/Middlesex, VT
Sunday, April 30, 2017
4:00pm
Temperature: 50 degrees
Light Breeze
Overcast.

Montpelier/Middlesex, VT
Friday, April 28, 2017
2:30pm
Temperature: 80 degrees
Light Breeze
No overcast.

With the increase in daylight, warmer temperatures and returning avian species to the area, an observed increase in mating behavior becomes apparent through the increased variety of displays. Physical, flighted, and verbal displays are becoming more common with the correspondent arrivals. Such observed displays, in the early part of the season have been Red-winged Blackbirds in large proportions. Their displays include both their classic “conch-chre-ee” call, from usually a taller blade of grass.
Further from the displays and calls of the Red-winged Blackbird, an increase in the calling of Chickadees and song birds can be observed most anywhere, even urban centers where the hustle and bustle keeps a large majority of species away. Though in a place like Vermont, “urban” is a relative term.
With the increase in temperature there is also a correlative response in many species and behaviors which exhibit predatory characteristics. Though perhaps not related so much to the individual itself, as it is to their presence in the region, the observed hunting could potentially be correlated back to the defense of a territory or providing sustenance in a mating pair.
These behaviors are varying from species to species in major correlation to their habitat in which additional connections can be made as to the specific habits of mating. From the behavior itself be it physical flight display, to the pitch of the call in which differentiation occurs in order for most effectiveness in either culling a mate, or defending territory. In which these displays are apparent, there is further connection to the health of the individual; in that a more healthy individual will generally have a more vibrant and robust display. The large benefit to a healthy mate over a not so healthy mate generally stems back to overall chances of success in a breeding pair and the survival of their offspring. In such that a healthy mate will be able to provide food, sustenance, and protection throughout the gestation period and into the adolescent development stages (depending on the species), much more effectively than an individual who is not healthy and might be ridden with parasites.
A very specific example cited below from the All About Birds website, characterizes the mating habits of the well known ruby-throated hummingbird in which “Male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds don’t stick around long. Pairs are together long enough for courtship and mating – just a matter of days to weeks. Then he’s off on his own, and may begin migration by early August. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds normally place their nest on a branch of a deciduous or coniferous tree; however, these birds are accustomed to human habitation and have been known to nest on loops of chain, wire, and extension cords.”
One sighting I feel the need to mention was the sighting of what could only be Muscovy Ducks along the river following Rt 12, just past the North Branch Nature Center (location tagged). These ducks are commonly known to be domesticated, however with no signs of where they would belong to as domesticated animals, I have to assume these two are escapees from somewhere far enough away.

Fort Collins, CO
Monday April 17, 2017
2:30pm
Temperature: 70 degrees
Light Breeze
Overcast

Unknown Calls. Birds with long tails. No opportunity to photograph. Spotted Common Grackles, heard calls of possibly mocking birds?

Time of Day: Late Afternoon
Time: 3:00-4:30
Date: April 7, 2017
Location Range: Berlin Pond, Berlin, VT
Precipitation: Temperature steady, light wind, rain.
Temperature: 45 degrees Fahrenheit
By this point in the year many early spring migrants have begun to arrive in the Vermont region. Red-wing Blackbirds are beginning to make appearances, doing their obvious tail flicker and mating calls from atop branches and reeds. The Canada Goose has been making it’s way back in to the state, though they are seen throughout the year there is a certain increase in numbers with contrast to the seasonal changes.
With the warm weather, and trickling in of increased diverse species; we can correlate an increase in food source for these migrants. From open waters allowing easy access to aquatic food sources, to the spring hatchings of arthropods terrestrial, aerial, and aquatic varieties to which these migrants flourish and thrive on in their availability and abundance. In direct correlation to the availability and abundance of food, many aves will migrate and move with the available resources, whereas our year-round inhabitants such as American Robins and American Crows are almost always able to stay the winter and survive on the available resources, while also adjusting to life during the harsh winter months as a result.
In terms of the Red-winged Blackbird, it has been observed and sighted on All About birds.com this species will travel upwards of 800 miles to migrate for the Northern variants. Whereas the southern and western variants may not even migrate at all. As in the Northern regions of the US, Vermont for example, the main food sources of Red-winged Blackbirds are scarce and hard to find throughout the winter. It is best to follow the availability of food, south. In Western and Southern regions of the US, there is a higher abundance, for longer, of food and thus fuel which the Red-winged Blackbird would not need to then move far to find. Moving South would likely result in a waste of energy for a variety abundance which is already nearby.
Additional changes which can facilitate the arrival of species is access to open water. Using Lake Champlain as an example, or any large body of water really, open water means open access to water dwelling food sources. Without that access there are few aquatic aves which would remain throughout the year. Mallard’s are an example of a species which will stay through the winter in some cases. They will take their opportunities at open water to access food sources.
Obligate and facultative migrants are both present variants in Vermont. We see American Robins as one example of a partial facultative migrant. Each winter, they will decide whether or not they migrate. With contrast we look at an obligate migrant, which is defined as migration being “hard-wired” and will migrate every year.

During the winter months and for Vermont, first while of spring (which greatly resembles winter), birds are interacting in a multitude of ways. On a territorial level, birds use a variety of methods to communicate with one another. Utilizing tones and sounds which carry over longer distances to both tell fellow competing individuals of their territory, and also tell potential mates where they can be found. For example; a woodpecker will use a dead or hollow tree as a means to amplitude the sound of their drilling. This act both can call for mates, and declare territory.

On a warmer winter day, I spent an afternoon photographing and observing a Hairy Woodpecker drumming on a dead and hollow tree. It spent a long amount of time drumming, during which time I only spotted one other Hair Woodpecker perched on a living tree, not drilling, but focused directly in the direction of the drumming. This second bird I was unable to photograph as it was too high up and auto focus of my camera would simply not cooperate.

Was this a mate, or a competitor in the area? As distance was a factor, I could not identify the sexes of either of the birds.

Additionally during this session I was able to “pssh” in a handful of species including a handful of Black-Capped Chickadees, a single Tufted Titmouse, and a Northern Cardinal. My understanding of “psshing” is it simulates the call of a bird who has spotted a predator. As such, the safest place for a small animal it to gain the advantage is to keep said predator in sight where the movements and path can be followed until such a time that flight from the sight is the safest option. In passing I have similarly discussed “psshing” to feed into the natural curiosity of some species. As the repetitive sounds are not that of a bird, nearby species are thus curious and investigate the sound. Similarly, I would relate this back the proximity of a large predator in which the safest place is within sight, and out of reach.

Time of Day: Morning
Time: 10:00am-11:30am
Date: March 10, 2017
Location Range: North Branch Nature Center
Precipitation: Temperature on the rise, light wind.
Temperature: 28 degrees Fahrenheit

Today’s observations were mostly by sound. Birds sighted were Black-Capped Chickadee in small numbers, no more than 6 spotted at one time and always in thick bushes and branches. With the temperature, the birds did not seem particularly cold as they were active, but always within the thick of the branches and bushes. Further on the day, American Crow’s flew over head, in no more than pairs, never once through the field at North Branch Nature Center. Canadian Geese flew in large numbers, and the classic V-shaped formation with the giveaway honking. A Northern Cardinal sung in thick trees and branches, a very similar setting as chickadees had been found.
If you’re unfamiliar with the layout of the North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier, VT; a trail leads you around the perimeter of the field, following the trees, but with about 50 feet between the path and the river. Small side paths lead you to the river, with thick trees, branches and bushes on both sides.
Thinking about the prompt from the week; some species utilize aspects of evolution and ecology to survive the winter season. Some birds huddle in close proximity to each other to stay warm during the evenings. American Crows are often observed flocking in large numbers toward town centers during winter evening hours, where heat is better retained, and further heat is retained by large numbers in close quarters. Similarly think about how much warmer a room is with a multitude of people rather than a single person. Further, think about how much more comfortable and warm a room is which has had people and activity in it all day, when compared to a room which has been sitting, or you come home after a day and the heat has been turned down. Where would you rather go/ The place which is already warm, or the place that needs to be warmed? For the perspective of a bird; the choice seems fairly obvious.
Further strategies employed by birds during the winter months to stay warm are finding tight places out of the wind, such as fallen and hollowed out trees, bird houses/homes, and other tight spaces like peaks of barns, chimneys, or hovels and similar places in the forest.
On the walk through the NBNC trails to observe birds, there are a few bird houses, which were placed over 15 years ago in various locations along the trail. None were presently occupied. Without going and directly checking each box, there was no perceived evidence of any sort of animal recently coming or going. These boxes are likely more used in the summer months. On the line of natural structures, and snags; there are a few dead fall trees which had been hollowed out by some species in the Woodpecker family. Taller dead and hollow trees lined the river, making a stellar roost for fishing species throughout the year (until a time which the river freezes at which point the advantage of a roost next to the river for fishing purposes becomes a moot point).
From an evolutionary standpoint, there are certain behavioral developments and physiological adaptations which have lead to the natural selection and continuation of the species. One such example we see which is behavioral is the use of already warm areas as a behavioral adaptation to survive the winter months. An additional behavioral adaptation to winter is simply; to leave. Many species migrate rather than stick around and attempt to endure the winter weather of Vermont.
Black-capped Chickadees will modify what they eat during the winter months in order to survive. Additionally, Chickadees will use what is called Thermogenesis and nocturnal hypothermia in order to survive the harsh winter temperatures. Behaviorally, they will additionally forage for food at a lower level in order to avoid wind, and thus stay warmer as any amount of wind will draw heat and warmth away from the body.
All observations today were made in the field. While a good half of the time was spent in the woods headed up towards the Sparrow Farm from NBNC, there were no songs to be heard, and no sightings while in the woods. Nearest to the river was the majority of the sightings by song. There were a few snags along the way, but no one was home at the time I walked by. There was good evidence that someone from the woodpecker family was using these snags most. Wood dust from drilling could be found around the bases of the snags. As there were no additional tracks in the remaining snow; it could be assumed that said wood shavings were made by an avian species.
With the warmer weather on the way, it could be assumed that species are slowly making their way back to the state. As evident by the migrating Canadian Geese and their frequent fly overs.

Time of Day: Night
Time: 9:00pm-10:00pm
Date: Feb, 16th 2017
Location Range: State Street, Montpelier VT - Hubbard Park, Montpelier, VT
Precipitation: Heavy snowfall
Temperature: 15 degrees Fahrenheit

Walking to the observation site, observations started early. While on route by foot, I observed upwards of 500 American Crows flocked in trees. I have seen this on previous nights, frequently in the winter months. Additional locations where American Crows are guaranteed to be found in the winter are along Stone Cutter's Way where the flocks are not only found in the trees, but on the solidified sections of ice in the Winooski River which flows parallel to Stone Cutters Way.

Unfortunately following the sight and observation of the murders of Crows in Montpelier, there were no additional species heard or spotted throughout the duration of the evening. Often times during winter storms, a high percentage of species "hunker down" to wait out evening storms. For predatory species; there is little to prey on during a storm, as the prey itself is following a similar trend of song birds and smaller species who also wait out the storms. As such, the quiet evening and massive snowfall provide inspiration for tracking in the morning hours, when predators will make their patrols through hunting territories. During the day hours would be an ideal time to observe predatory habits of a large range of raptors in Vermont.

Thinking about wing shape and and flight patterns of observed species, American Crows will in a general sense fly direct and can mount a direct take off without having to gain speed in order to create lift. While the observed subjects were stationary and flight patterns were hard to recognized in the lighting and weather conditions; those which did take flight made short burst or leaps assisted by wing beats to find a different roost.