Field Journal #1

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.

Posted on February 7, 2024 06:38 PM by adrianemason