WFB2300A: Ornithology Field Journal 1

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.

Posted on February 8, 2024 09:22 PM by bwells02