WFB2300A: Ornithology Field Journal 6

Date: April 22, 2024
Start Time: 2:00 PM
End Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Centennial Woods, Vermont
Weather: Partially cloudy, warm temperature, 48°F, light breeze from the northwest
Habitat: Mixed Forest: Red Spruce, Balsam Fir, Eastern White Pine, Red Pine, Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Northern Red Oak, Paper birch, Yellow Birch, American Beech

During my recent birdwatching adventure, I was surrounded by a symphony of bird calls and songs, indicating various species' activities. The warmer weather has welcomed the migratory species back home, which also requires the establishment of territories and mate selection with their lively chatter. I spotted an American Robin singing loudly, suggesting territorial defense in a prime location near water and dense tree cover. Its presence hinted at its fitness, contrasting with robins in less ideal urban settings. Nearby, a Black-capped Chickadee chirped from a parking lot tree, defending what seemed like a less desirable territory due to its sparse habitat. This observation hinted at the bird's adaptability and its ability to thrive even in less optimal conditions. Though I didn't get a close-up look at nests, I imagined the robin gathering sticks and feathers, possibly from nearby wooded areas, while the chickadee might scavenge materials from urban environments, highlighting their resourcefulness in nest-building despite differing habitat requirements. In addition to the familiar species, I encountered newcomers like the Red-winged Blackbirds, also contributing to the noisy spectacle, possibly for mating or territorial purposes.

Posted on April 23, 2024 02:42 AM by bwells02