WFB2300A: Ornithology Field Journal 2

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.

Posted on February 23, 2024 11:14 PM by bwells02