adrianemason's Journal

Date: 04/29/2024
Start time: 11:00 AM
End time: 12:00 PM
Location: Urban Reserve, Island Line Trail (Burlington bike path)
Weather: Temp - 47℉, Wind - 10 mph, Precipitation - none, complete cloud cover
Habitat(s): lakeside and dense forest, rich habitat ideal for waterfowl on the lake and a variety of woodland birds within towering trees.

Species List:
*Carolina Wren (sound only)
*Northern Cardinal
*Tufted Titmouse (sound only)
*Black-capped Chickadee
*Mallard (sound only)
*Ring-billed Gull
*Double-crested Cormorant
*Song Sparrow
*Common Loon
*American Robin

Date: 04/22/2024
Start time: 11:15am
End time: 1:00pm
Location: Shelburne Farms
Weather: Temp - 39℉, Wind - 13 mph, Precipitation - 0, sunny conditions
Habitat(s): Shelburne Farms encompasses a varied habitat including farmland with pastures and crop fields, managed forests, Lake Champlain shoreline, wetlands, and cultivated gardens.

Species List:
*Canada goose (sound only) x6
*Black-capped chickadee x20 +
*Mallard x4
*Common Raven x3 (sound only)
*Northern Cardinal
*Turkey Vulture x4
*Song sparrow x10+
*American crow x5
*American robin x9
*European starling x10+
*Red-winged blackbird x8
*Mourning dove x2
*Ring-billed gull x250+!
*Tree swallow x8
*Double-crested cormorant x1
*Osprey x2
*White-throated sparrow x1
*Sharp-shinned hawk x1
*Eastern phoebe x1
*Ruby-crowned kinglet (sound only) x1
*House sparrow x2
*House finch x2

Today was an amazing bird watching day with lots of activity as birds get ready for nesting season. I was really struck by a pair of ospreys building their nest on top of a dead tree beside the parking lot. They kept flying back and forth, carrying sticks to construct their nest. It's a smart spot for them—high up and close to the water, which means easy access to fish. Their hard work shows they're serious about preparing for their young.
Meanwhile, the red-winged blackbirds were a lively bunch in the marsh areas, easy to spot with their bright red shoulder patches. They were quite vocal, singing loudly to claim their territories and attract mates. It seems like they really thrive in the wetlands, where there’s plenty of food and space to spread out.
Close by, I watched song sparrows busy at work in the underbrush. They were meticulously picking up twigs and leaves, choosing the thickest bushes to hide their nests. I also observed tree swallows darted gracefully near the water's edge, scooping up beakfuls of mud. Their swift, precise movements were intense as they gathered materials for their nests.
Observing these birds adapt to their environments and prepare for the upcoming breeding season was very engaging. Each species has its unique way of creating a safe and nurturing home for its young.

Date: 04/07/2024
Start time: 10:34am
End time: 12:33pm
Location: Shelburne Farms
Weather: Temp - 43℉, Wind - 12mph, Precipitation - 0, partly cloudy and sunny conditions
Habitat(s): Shelburne Farms encompasses a varied habitat including farmland with pastures and crop fields, managed forests, Lake Champlain shoreline, wetlands, and cultivated gardens.

Date: 03/24/2024
Start time: 10:58am
End time: 12:05pm
Location: Red Rocks Park
Weather: Temp - 27℉, Wind - 7mph, Precipitation - zero; 4.5” of snowfall in the last 24 hours, Sunny with limited cloud cover
Habitat(s): Trails loop through hemlock and pine forests and emerge onto a rocky shoreline. The forest canopy blends northern hardwoods like maples and beech with southern hardwoods like oaks and hickories.

Species List:
*Canada goose (sound only)
*Dark-eyed junco x1 (sound only)
*Tufted titmouse x10 +
*Black-capped chickadee x20 +
*Common merganser x3
*Hairy woodpecker x1
*Common Raven x3 (sound only)
*American goldfinch x1 (sound only)
*Northern Cardinal x10 +
*Ring-billed gull

My recent birding excursion provided a glimpse into the avian activity in Burlington. Among the species observed, several were year-round residents, showcasing their adaptability to survive in these conditions throughout the seasons. The Tufted Titmouse and Black-capped Chickadee, for instance, were abundant, emphasizing their resilience in enduring the local climate year-round. These birds forego migration due to their physiological adaptations, such as growing thicker feathers for insulation and storing food in hidden caches to sustain themselves during harsher conditions. Behaviorally, they form cohesive flocks, enabling cooperative foraging and predator detection, further enhancing their survival prospects.

In contrast, the Common Merganser, a facultative migrant, likely arrived from northern regions, seeking more favorable conditions as winter disperses. Burlington provides a crucial stopover point for these birds on their journey, offering open water and ample food sources as lakes and rivers thaw. The environmental change, marked by increasing daylight and rising temperatures, triggers their migration, facilitating their arrival in search of suitable breeding grounds.

Although I did not encounter an obligate migrant during my observations, contemplating the potential arrival of such species in early April prompts consideration of their advantages and disadvantages. Obligate migrants, compelled by instinct to migrate, may benefit from arriving early to secure prime breeding territories and maximize reproductive success. However, early arrival also exposes them to unpredictable weather conditions and resource availability, increasing the risk of starvation or predation.

Date: 03/05/2024
Start time: 10:30am
End time: 11:30am
Location: Macrae Farm Park
Weather: Temp - 48℉, Wind - 16 mph, Precipitation - none, Sunny with limited cloud cover
Habitat(s): Dirt road along the Winooski River. Network of trails through floodplain forest. Lots of dead trees. Partially contains farmland.

Species List:
*Canada goose x14
*American crow x4
*Dark-eyed junco x8 +
*Tufted titmouse x5 +
*Black-capped chickadee x20 +
*Song sparrow x4 +
*Hooded merganser x2
*Mallard x2
*Hairy woodpecker x2
*Common raven x5 +
*American goldfinch (sound only)
*Brown creeper x2
*Mourning dove x2

During my observations, I observed a cluster of titmouse (at least 8) feeding in some bushes. I watched how the birds were interacting and attempted to determine what audio and visual cues they were communicating. In the observed group, birds worked together while foraging and sharing food. They communicated through visual cues, showing dominance or submission, and used vocalizations like contact calls and alarm signals for group unity and threat awareness. Individual behaviors, like some birds keeping watch, emphasized their cooperative social structure during foraging. In the case of the Canada geese, I witnessed their cooperative feeding on aquatic vegetation accompanied by distinctive honking and visual cues indicating dominance or submission. The geese maintained specific formations during flight or while swimming, showing the importance of group cohesion. Their vocalizations, including communication about feeding locations and signaling danger, were notable. In the presence of my observation, I noticed heightened vigilance and territorial behavior, revealing their adaptability to external stimuli and sensitivity to potential threats.

My observations prompted me to compare the plumage of Hooded merganser and Hairy woodpecker. Their plumage differs significantly, with the merganser displaying striking iridescent patterns, likely evolved for mate attraction, while the woodpecker exhibits a more subdued, camouflaging coloration suitable for its arboreal habitat. During observations, a Hooded merganser engaged in foraging, reflecting its carnivorous diet of fish and insects. In contrast, a hairy woodpecker, likely driven by its daytime metabolism, was observed foraging for insects on tree bark, showcasing an adaptation to its daily energy needs. The divergence in plumage serves distinct evolutionary purposes, emphasizing mating strategies and ecological adaptations, with behavior aligning with the metabolic demands of their different lifestyles.

During my birding walk, I tried the "spishing" technique with a group of chickadees by making repeated "psssh" sounds to attract their attention. Surprisingly, it seemed to work – the chickadees responded by either coming closer or altering their behavior. My guess is that the sound mimicked the alarm calls of other birds, triggering the chickadees' natural curiosity and vigilance. This behavior aligns with their survival instincts, as they investigate potential threats or opportunities for foraging.

Date: 02/19/2024
Start time: 1:00pm
End time: 2:00pm
Location: Burlington Bike Path
Weather: Temp - 21℉, Wind - 9 mph, Precipitation - none, Sunny with limited cloud cover
Habitat(s): lakeside and dense forest, rich habitat ideal for waterfowl on the lake and a variety of woodland birds within towering trees

Species List:
*American crow
*Northern cardinal
*Tufted titmouse
*Black-capped chickadee
*Common goldeneye
*Ring-billed gull
*Mallard
*Hairy woodpecker

While birding along the Burlington Bike Path, the species I observed showcased a range of evolutionary and ecological adaptations to endure the cold season. In the harsh winter conditions, the birds, including the American crow, Northern cardinal, Tufted titmouse, Black-capped chickadee, Common goldeneye, Ring-billed gull, Mallard, and Hairy woodpecker, utilized their plumage as a primary means of retaining body heat. Feathers served as effective insulation, and behaviors like fluffing up feathers and tucking legs into plumage were evident, reducing heat loss in the chilly temperatures.

The time budgeting of these birds showcased a strategic allocation of activities to navigate the winter challenges. Foraging for food, an important activity in the search for high-energy sources, occupied a significant portion of their time. In contrast, resting was crucial to conserve energy.

Dietary preferences varied among the observed species. Seed-eating birds such as the Northern cardinal, Tufted titmouse, and Black-capped chickadee focused on foraging for seeds, while waterfowl like the Common goldeneye and Mallard engaged in hunting for aquatic invertebrates and vegetation in Lake Champlain. Carnivorous species like the Ring-billed gull and Hairy woodpecker were likely targeting small prey, adapting their diet to the seasonally available resources. This winter-focused diet contrasts with diet during other seasons, such as increased insect consumption in warmer months.

Overnight, I assume these species seek shelter in various locations. Tree-dwelling species like crows, cardinals, titmice, and chickadees might find refuge in dense vegetation, using the insulation provided by trees to shield themselves from the wind and cold. Waterfowl, on the other hand, may roost near open water for safety and access to food. The observed behaviors of these birds underscored the balance between physiological adaptations and behavioral strategies that enable them to thrive in the winter environment.

Doing a Snag Watch along the Burlington Bike Path involved noting dead snags and their cavities, offering insights into their ecological importance. These remnants are crucial as winter habitat components, providing shelter and nesting sites for various bird species. Woodpeckers were observed actively investigating the cavities, reinforcing the significance of snags for winter roosting. Chickadees also demonstrated interest, showing the versatility of these dead trees for a range of bird species.

Snags are important structures that support biodiversity. Wood-boring insects often infest dead wood, attracting insect-eating birds like woodpeckers. Additionally, cavity-nesting birds such as chickadees find these spaces suitable for shelter and raising their young. The Snag Watch activity highlighted the specific ecological niche dead snags occupy, emphasizing their crucial contribution to sustaining bird communities during the winter months.

Date: 02/04/24
Start time: 12:00pm
End time: 1:00pm
Location: Macrae Farm Park
Weather: Temp - 27℉, Wind - none, Precipitation - none, sunny with limited cloud cover.
Habitat(s): Dirt road along the Winooski River. Network of trails through floodplain forest. Lots of dead trees. Partially contains farmland.

Species List:
*American crow
*White-breasted nuthatch
*Black-capped chickadee
*Common merganser

Common Mergansers are diving ducks with streamlined bodies. While observing, I noticed rapid wing beats that allowed the individual to cover large distances. The individual had a slender body and pointed wings. I concluded that their strong wings may be adapted for sustained flight, which is necessary for their migratory habits and the need to cover long distances over water. In comparison, chickadees are small songbirds with acrobatic flight and quick, darting movements. While observing, I noticed that the chickadees had a more erratic flight pattern compared to mergansers, characterized by short bursts of wing flaps and rapid changes in direction. Their wings allowed for quick movements and changes in direction, which proved useful when navigating through the dense vegetation and foraging for food in trees and shrubs.

The relationship between wing shape, flight style, and habitat niche is often a result of adaptation to the bird's ecological niche. Birds that inhabit open water, like mergansers, tend to have more streamlined bodies and pointed wings to facilitate flight over long distances. On the other hand, birds that live in densely vegetated areas, like chickadees, have rounded wings for better maneuverability in confined spaces.

During the midday hours, from 12 to 1 pm (when I recorded my observations), bird activity may have been relatively low for several reasons. In the harsh sunlight, birds might take cover in shaded areas to conserve energy and avoid predators. Additionally, midday is often when temperatures peak, and bird activity tends to decrease as a result. To observe a greater diversity of species, I would visit Macrae Farm Park during the early morning hours or late afternoon. Birds are typically more active during these times, engaging in foraging, territorial displays, and vocalizations. The cooler temperatures and softer lighting make these periods more ideal for birdwatching.