bwells02's Journal

Date: February 8, 2024
Start Time: 11:00 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Mount Mansfield State Forest, Vermont
Weather: Cloudy skies, Cool temperature, 38°F, light breeze from the northwest
Habitat: Mixed Forest: Red Spruce, Balsam Fir, Eastern White Pine, Red Maple, Northern Red Oak, Mountain Paper birch

As I walked through the forest and observed the ecosystem around me, my focus quickly centered on two species: the Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) and the Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus). The Tufted Titmouse displayed quick, direct wing beats with short glides in between. Its wings when flapping, produced a smooth and even motion, with the occasional pause during glides. After performing some additional research, I learned that this flight style allows them to navigate through dense vegetation and trees efficiently. Similarly, the Black-capped Chickadee displayed short, quick, and fluttery wing beats, often accompanied by rapid changes in direction. Both species appeared to have elliptical wings, which are broader and rounder, which enables both species to have precise control when maneuvering in tight spaces in the forest. Both species primarily feed by foraging, hopping from many different twigs and branches of trees, where it is beneficial to be nimble and have precise control. The relationship between wing shape, flight style, and habitat niche became evident during these observations.
Understanding these flight patterns is crucial for bird identification. In the future, if I encounter a bird with quick and direct wing beats, I might infer that it could be another ground-foraging species like the Tufted Titmouse or the Black-capped Chickadee. Seeing a live demonstration of how these species move about in a natural habitat helped me to generate a more comprehensive understanding of each species. I will be able to use this knowledge in the future to compare and contrast other species’ flight movements.
Overall, this birding experience was met with relatively low bird activity. This could potentially be influenced by the inclement weather. Birds, especially smaller species, might be seeking shelter and avoiding extensive flights. Exploring the same area during a clearer day or during dawn and dusk when bird activity tends to peak could yield better results. Additionally, venturing deeper into the forest with more tree diversity could increase my chances of observing more bird activity.

Date: February 23, 2024
Start Time: 4:00 PM
End Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Centennial Woods, Vermont
Weather: Mostly sunny, Cool temperature, 43°F, light breeze from the northeast
Habitat: Mixed Forest: Red Spruce, Balsam Fir, Eastern White Pine, Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Northern Red Oak, Paper birch, Yellow Birch

As I walked through the forest of Centennial Woods, I was greeted by several bird songs. I was immediately able to identify the Black-capped Chickadees by its distinct chick-a-dee-dee-dee song. I looked up and saw the Black-capped Chickadee perched on a small branch about 6 feet above me. As I continued, I spotted a Northern cardinal perched on an Eastern Red Cedar and I heard the harsh call of the American Crow as it soared above the tree line. Compared to the last time I visited; it seems like the warmer temperatures affect the birds’ liveliness. The warmer temperatures made it much easier to spot birds. I stopped to think about the techniques birds use to stay warm in the winter. After conducting some research when I returned to campus, I learned that Black-capped Chickadees, Northern Cardinals, and American Crow all employ different techniques to produce and retain body heat. The Chickadees, for instance, fluff up their feathers to create insulating air pockets, while the Northern Cardinal relies on their plumage for warmth. The larger American Crow may use communal roosting to share body heat during the night. In terms of budgeting time, these birds engage in a delicate balance of feeding, resting, breeding, and sleeping. The Black-capped Chickadees are active foragers, often caching food for later use. Northern Cardinals may focus on foraging for seeds and fruits, adapting their diet to the seasonal availability of these resources. Whereas, the American Crow, being omnivorous, scavenges for a variety of food items, contributing to its adaptability. As I walked through the forest of Centennial Woods, I counted six dead snags and observed the presence of cavities, which have the potential to be a shelter or a nesting site for a bird. I noticed that the greater the snag size often corresponded to a larger cavity size. I used a fallen branch to knock on the side of a cavity-barring snag to see if I could determine whether any inhabitants were nesting in the cavity. I was unsuccessful in provoking any critters from the tree cavity. Snags are important in providing shelter and nests to species, especially in the colder months of the year. Moreover, cavities can provide protection from predators. According to my research, nuthatches, chickadees, and woodpeckers are most likely to utilize tree cavities.