08 de mayo de 2021

FJ-X GUIDE AND FIELD OBSERVATION: LANDRY PARK, WINOOSKI, VT

Date: April 8, 2021
Observation Period: 8:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Landry Park, Winooski, VT
Weather: 57 degrees F, Cloudy, Wind-7 mph SW
Habitat: Urban park with amenities surrounded by forested trails and residential housing.

World Migratory Bird Day

https://ebird.org/checklist/S87488349

Publicado el mayo 8, 2021 09:24 TARDE por sdz456 sdz456 | 11 observaciones | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

02 de mayo de 2021

FJ8 FIELD OBSERVATION

Date: April 30, 2021
Observation Period: 2:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. (2 hours 30 minutes)
Location: Essex Junction, VT
Weather: 52 degrees F, Raining, Winds-15 mph NW
Habitat: Residential Neighborhood with bird feeders, open space mixed woodland trail dominated by Gray Birch trees, marshy area with shrubs, sumac and the Winooski River. River flowing swiftly today.

I followed the same general route that I took for FJ2 on February 12, 2021 to observe the different species that I would see at this time of year. Notably absent were ducks which may be because the river from the dam was flowing so swiftly due to the recent rainfall. The following species observed were not listed on my previous journal: Ring-billed Gull, Belted Kingfisher, European Starling, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird and Common Grackle. Listed on FJ2, but not observed today were: Mallard, American Black Duck, Common Merganser, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Common Raven and American Tree Sparrow. One observation indicative of this time of year was a pair of Black-capped Chickadees excavating a nest hole.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S86759880

Publicado el mayo 2, 2021 09:39 TARDE por sdz456 sdz456 | 8 observaciones | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

25 de abril de 2021

FJ7 Reproductive Ecology and Evolution

Date: April 8, 2021
Observation Period: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (3 hours)
Location: Lone Rock Point, Burlington, VT
Weather: 60 degrees F, Partly Sunny, Wind-3 mph NNW
Habitat: Forested cliff ledges overlooking Lake Champlain.

As a volunteer for the Audubon Vermont Peregrine Falcon Recovery Project, I monitor PEFA behavior at the Lone Rock Point site from March until July with the hope that successful nesting activity will occur. In 2018 two chicks successfully fledged. Although PEFAs were observed in 2019 and 2020, no nesting activity took place. During my recent visit on March 18, only one PEFA was observed. However, this now appears to be a promising year because during this field observation I observed a PEFA pair nesting near the same location as the 2018 pair. PEFAs become sexually mature at one to three years of age, remain paired from year to year and return to the same nesting site each year.
Upon arrival I heard the periodic wailing call of a Peregrine Falcon that is used to communicate with its mate as a sign of hunger or to locate its mate. One PEFA was perched on a snag. Five different perching spots were noted in their territory. During the courtship and nesting season, male PEFAs bring food to the female. At approximately 8:20 a.m. the male PEFA flew in and a mid-air exchange of prey took place. The female PEFA then perched on a branch to feed. No further vocalization was heard.
Both the male and female create several depressions in the substrate called scrapes, but the female chooses which of these nest sites to occupy. No additional nesting material is used. The scrape here is on a cliff ledge with surrounding vegetation. Two eggs were observed in the scrape. The period for egg laying lasts approximately one week so it's possible that more eggs were laid before incubation started. The female PEFA was on the scrape from 8:37 a.m. until 8:48 a.m. exhibiting egg-laying behavior such as lowering her body, turning frequently to face the opposite direction in a reclined position and laying down. She was there again from 10:43 a.m.-10:45 a.m. An updated visit on 4-13-2021 confirmed one PEFA incubating and one PEFA perched on a snag.
I also observed an Eastern Phoebe in this area perched in two different trees near the edge of the cliff opposite the PEFA location. The male was robustly singing to establish its territory, and displaying its taxing, high energy ability to attract a mate. The nesting habitat requirements for the Eastern Phoebe is different from the Peregrine Falcon in that the female Eastern Phoebe collects nesting material to build the nest from mud, moss, leaves, grass stems and animal hair, all readily available here. Eastern Phoebes breed in wooded areas particularly near water sources and use the eaves of buildings, overhanging decks, bridges or culverts to build nests. Before these sites were available, their original nest sites were on bare rock outcrops where some still do occasionally nest. Perhaps these Eastern Phoebes are “old school” and nest here on rock outcrops. It appears to be a prime location because I've seen the males in past years staking out this territory early in the season, and its stated that they return to the same site in successive years. The habitat may have less human disturbance than would be found around some buildings or bridges and ample food resources, particularly insects, are available.
I wonder what risk the PEFA poses to the Eastern Phoebe? I don't know. It is reported that PEFAs consume approximately 450 different North American species. However, it is also noted that PEFAs generally hunt away from the nesting area (eyrie). It would appear that this area has food resources for the PEFA that is more desirable and more easily available than the Eastern Phoebe.

Species List:
2 Wood Duck
1 Common Merganser
3 Mallard
1 Eastern Phoebe
2 Peregrine Falcon

https://www.rockpointvt.org/post/peregrine-falcons-at-rock-point
https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/perfal/cur/introduction?login
https://www.liquisearch.com/peregrine_falcon/ecology_and_behavior/reproduction
https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Birds/Peregrine-Falcon

Mini Activity Sound Map

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t_6E8YvEAUPRmR7ETCIq_-uHkYxYN7Iz/view?usp=sharing

Publicado el abril 25, 2021 10:48 TARDE por sdz456 sdz456 | 5 observaciones | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

17 de abril de 2021

FJ6 FIELD OBSERVATION

Date: April 8, 2021
Observation Period: 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Saint Michael's College Natural Area, Essex/Colchester, VT
Weather: 68 degrees F, mostly cloudy, Wind: 8 mph, NW
Habitat: Walking Trail through wetlands, forest and fields encompassing Winooski riverfront, pond, and an open space compost area.

I chose Saint Michael's College Natural Area for an outing after learning from ebird of a possible nest site for a Pileated Woodpecker. After patiently observing the snag and area for a while, I saw evidence of a Pileated Woodpecker, but, unfortunately, I did not see a Pileated Woodpecker.

One interesting observation on this visit was three Turkey Vultures perched in a tree at the compost area. Generally, Turkey Vultures are most often seen aloft, foraging over open areas for carrion by sight and smell as far as one mile away. They return to Vermont in late March and early April after wintering in the Southeastern United States. I wondered where they nested in our area. I found a record for a documented nest site for a Black Vulture, but with a cursory check I was not able to find nesting observations for Turkey Vulture. Nest sites may be caves, ledges on cliffs, hollow logs or trees, dense shrubbery, abandoned hawk nests or deserted buildings. Vermont Atlas of Life documented Vermont's first recorded nest containing two eggs found in early June of 1983 in northwestern Franklin County. It is reported that nests are located mostly by accident.

Species List:
1 Eastern Phoebe
1 American Robin
2 Black-capped Chickadee
1 Red-winged Blackbird
1 Canada Goose
2 Common Raven
1 Hairy Woodpecker
1 Downy Woodpecker
2 Song Sparrow
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker
1 Northern Cardinal
3 Turkey Vulture
4 crow, sp

http://val.vtecostudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/turkey-vulture.pdf
https://bie.vtatlasoflife.org/species/2481930#overview

Publicado el abril 17, 2021 02:38 MAÑANA por sdz456 sdz456 | 8 observaciones | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

05 de abril de 2021

FJ5 MIGRATION

FJ5 MIGRATION
Date: March 23, 2021
Observation Period: (1)1:00 p.m. – 1:35 p.m. (35 minutes) (2) 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (45 minutes)
Location: Harvest Lane, Williston, VT
Weather: 67 degrees F, Sunny, Wind- 12 mph
Habitat: Retail building with adjacent open field, shrubbery and stand of Norway spruce trees behind buildings.

Date: March 24, 2021
Observation Period: 1:10 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. 35 minutes
Location: Gardener's Supply, Williston, VT
Weather: 42 degrees F., Cloudy, Wind-8 mph N.
Habitat: Retail establishment with landscaped grounds including several ponds.

Migration is part of a bird's survival and breeding behavior, but whether or not a bird migrates depends on whether or not it has evolved and adapted to withstand severe winter conditions or whether it has been entrained to react to changes in day length that lead to migration. If resident birds have an adequate food supply and have evolved physiologically to regulate their body temperatures to conserve energy, they will forego the hazards of migration. Migration could expose a bird to risks such as severe weather conditions, predation, mortality by hunters, lack of food, or accidental incidents like a building strike. Resident birds can remain all year as they are able to adapt their food intake to availability during varying seasons. Black-capped Chickadees and House Sparrows can also regulate their body temperature to survive the cold winters and utilize behaviors such as changing plumage (feather positions and molting into thicker plumage), finding microclimates, flocking together and adjusting exposure of extremities. American Crows roost communally at night for warmth and safety from predators. By remaining in place, resident birds can defend their territory and have a location where they are ready to breed rather than moving between breeding and nonbreeding grounds.

There is much variation in migration however, and birds may travel a short distance, a medium distance or a long distance. Obligate migrants may travel either a short distance or long distance, but in general, obligate migrants are long distance migrants that leave their breeding grounds in the northern United States and Canada for wintering grounds in the southern United States and Central or South America. I observed a pair of obligate Ring-necked Duck migrants, on March 24, 2021. If an obligate migrant is here in March, it must adapt to any adverse weather conditions and unpredictable food sources. The pond where these ducks were had been iced over just a few days prior to their arrival. They only stopped to feed and rest for a few days. However, by getting an early start on the journey to their breeding grounds, they will have less competition and more options in establishing a breeding territory.
I saw several facultative migrants during these outings such as Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, American Robin, Red-tailed Hawk, Canada Goose and the irruptive species, Red Crossbill. It's interesting to note that in the Macaulay library at Cornell, Red Crossbills are the most recorded bird with over 11,280 recordings. The Red Crossbill breeds at any time of the year, but they don't always breed in the same place from year to year, and, it is difficult for researchers to access sites in the vast boreal forest. The Finch Research Network is now funding tracking studies for the Red Crossbills to better understand their nomadic movement. Ten types based on flight call and bill shape have been identified in North America. It appears that Type 10, the “Eastern” Sitka Spruce Crossbill is the one most observed here. This winter Red Crossbills were forced to move to survive because only one conifer species in their Northeast range produced an adequate cone crop. They venture further south in the winter when there is a shortage of cone crops in the north. I observed them here in two different locations feeding on the seeds of Norway spruce cones and preening.

Frequent Flyer:

Total Miles: Facultative Migrants – 2,927 miles
Obligate Migrants: 621 miles Total: 3,548

Species List: (1) 3-23-2021
2 European Starlings-442 miles

1 American Robin-0
3 Red Crossbills-717 miles
1 Song Sparrow-442 miles
2 Ring-billed Gull-0
2 Red-tailed Hawks-0

Species List: (2) 3-23-2021

2 Song Sparrows
3 Ring-billed Gulls
1 American Crow-0
1 Red-tailed Hawk-0
9 Red Crossbills

Species List: 3-24-2021
2 Canada Geese-442 miles
2 Ring-billed Gulls
1 Mourning Dove-0
2 Ring-necked Ducks-621 miles
1 American Crow
1 American Robin
2 Red-winged Blackbirds-442 miles
7 Common Grackles-442 miles

Marilyn Ramenofsky, Thomas P. Hahn, in Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior (Second Edition), 2019 A Nomadic Facultative Migrant: Red Crossbill
Red Crossbill - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Keeping Track of These Boreal Nomads Is Notoriously Difficult | Audubon
Winter Finch Forecast Update: The Nomads – FINCH RESEARCH NETWORK (finchnetwork.org)
Crossbills here, there, and everywhere – FINCH RESEARCH NETWORK (finchnetwork.org)
The Red Crossbill Enigma | Vermont Center for Ecostudies (vtecostudies.org)

Publicado el abril 5, 2021 03:29 TARDE por sdz456 sdz456 | 5 observaciones | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

22 de marzo de 2021

FJ:4 SOCIAL BEHAVIOR AND PHENOLOGY

Date: February 20, 2021
Observation Period: 2:15 p.m. - 3:50 p.m. (1 hour 35 minutes)
Location: Burlington Waterfront Park

Weather: 26 degrees F, Broken Clouds, Wind-4 mph
Habitat: Recreational trail along Lake Champlain shoreline with adjacent manicured landscape of grass and trees.

Date: March 9, 2021
Observation Period: 2:35 p.m. - 4:10 p.m. (1 hour 35 minutes)
Location: Burlington Waterfront Park/Perkins Pier
Weather: 40 degrees F, Partly Sunny, Wind-2 mph
Habitat: Recreational trail along Lake Champlain shoreline with adjacent manicured landscape of grass and trees. Perkins Pier Marina area.

I was interested in seeing Common Goldeneye so I chose this area for the journal. Common Goldeneye breed mainly in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska. Their urge to migrate is regulated by the circannual cycle, an internal yearly body clock. They are one of the most abundant migratory ducks wintering on Lake Champlain from approximately October until April. I saw a total of 42 Common Goldeneye, however, only seven were close enough for me to observe their behavior, though too far away for vocalization. A group of six males and one female were actively feeding not too far from the shoreline, but there was no access directly in front of them so from my position binoculars were needed. These are diving ducks and spend their time foraging underwater, usually farther from shore than dabbler ducks. From my observations they spent approximately 30 seconds underwater before surfacing nearby, and most appeared to dive around the same time. Their diet also changes seasonally from aquatic insects and plant material in summer to crustaceans, mollusks and small fish in winter. Basically, they all stayed fairly close within the group, and the female was either alone or with at least two other males nearby so it didn't appear as if she had chosen her mate. Another form of behavior within this cycle is courtship display. Before the birds return to their breeding grounds they form pairs. During courtship the male stretches its head backward with the bill pointed up. I saw one male display this behavior and two other males repeatedly thrusting their head forward, but not back with bill pointed up. My second observation period on a different day occurred at a later time in the day, around 4:00 p.m. I observed 32 Common Goldeneye in a group. As part of the circadian rhythm these birds were not actively feeding and seemed to be settling in for the night, just floating on the water, ready to rest and conserve energy.

I observed male Mallards and male Goldeneyes in breeding plumage on this outing. The colorful plumage can influence a female's choice of mate and may indicate a sign of good health. The iridescent green color on the Mallard's head and neck was more noticeable than the green/black head of the Common Goldeneye. Another area of iridescence was the blue speculum bordered in white on the Mallard. (The Common Goldeneye speculum can only be seen when the bird is in flight.) These structural iridescent feather colors are formed by melanosomes in feather barbules. Iridescent sheen color in feathers has been traced back to the fossil remains of Microraptor.
During the second outing the weather was warm enough to melt the remaining snow in certain areas. The Mallards took advantage of the muddy exposed grassy areas to feed, and they were feeding so intently that they were not wary of humans nearby. A few could be observed nudging another away from their desired spot. Their long legs positioned near the center of their body allow them to maneuver on land whereas the shorter legs near the rear of the body in the Common Goldeneye make land movement more unwieldy.

https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=123392
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Goldeneye/overview

PISHING:

Date: March 11, 2021
Observation Period: 9:00 a.m.– 11:00 a.m.
Location: Upper LaPlatte Natural Area
Weather: 45 degrees, Partly Sunny, Wind-14.5 mph
Habitat: Trail within a floodplain forest restoration area, crossing the LaPlatte River and opening onto a hayfield.

The focus of this outing was to practice pishing. Apparently, it works best with passerines, however, the subjects were limited here. Several attempts along the trail were unsuccessful in eliciting any birds. Four Black-capped Chickadees were seen together feeding and darting about in the bushes, but they were so preoccupied that they basically ignored the varied pishing sounds. They didn't come closer and no additional bird appeared. Also, the birds were in the open and could see my presence. This wasn't the ideal situation for pishing since the point is to elicit unseen birds.

There appear to be several theories as to why birds may respond to pishing. One main theory is that it is a behavioral response, and the sound is like an alarm call for birds to flock together to defend against a predator. Another theory is that it arouses a bird's natural curiosity. It has also been suggested that the sound may resemble insect noises. Whatever the reason, it does appear to work. I found it interesting to read that birder extraordinaire, Pete Dunne, has developed and teaches thirteen different pishes consisting of hisses, whistles, chips, squeals, kisses and thumps.

As an aside unrelated to this particular outing, pishing did work for me. On March 18 while waiting at the dentist's office, I decided to walk around the edge of the parking lot. In front of some pine trees and with a bird feeder located beyond, I pished and three Black-capped Chickadees and a Dark-eyed Junco popped out of the trees. It took them less than a minute to investigate and then they flew to a nearby area.

https://compleatnaturalist.com/product/the-art-of-pishing/

Species List: 2-20-2021

5 Mallard
3 American Black Duck
42 Common Goldeneye
13 Common Merganser
10 Rock Pigeons
3 Ring-billed Gull
2 Great Black-backed Gull
4 American Robin

Species List: 3-9-2021
18 Mallard
32 Common Goldeneye
11 Ring-billed Gull
11 Common Merganser
2 Rock Pigeon

Species List: 3-11-2021
2 Turkey Vulture
1 Downy Woodpecker
2 Hooded Merganser
28 American Crow
4 Black-capped Chickadee
1 Common Raven

Publicado el marzo 22, 2021 12:18 MAÑANA por sdz456 sdz456 | 11 observaciones | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

08 de marzo de 2021

FJ3: FIELD OBSERVATION: Ecological Physiology

FJ3: FIELD OBSERVATION: Ecological Physiology
Date: February 23, 2021
Observation Period: 2:20 p.m. - 3:40 p.m. (1 hour 20 minutes)
Location: Gilbrook Natural Area, Winooski, VT, 1.82 miles
Weather: 31 degrees, Partly Cloudy, Wind-3 mph SSW
Habitat: Walking trail adjoining residential and college campus area through mixed woods, mainly oak and birch, with a large reservoir and two ponds.
I chose Gilbrook Natural Area for this walk because I thought it would provide good habitat for snag watch, which it did, however, there were very few birds. In one area where a little stream was flowing a mixed flock of two Black-capped Chickadees, two Tufted Titmice and one White-breasted Nuthatch were darting around the trees in search of food. I saw one Tufted Titmouse collect a red berry, fly to a nearby tree branch and break it open to eat. The feathers on the Black-capped Chickadees were noticeably fluffed up. At one point along the trail, five American Robins flew by and landed in a tree outside the park boundary. I saw three American Crows flying together overhead.
With over 150 days when nighttime temperatures in the Burlington area fall below freezing, birds who spend the winter here have evolved and are adapted to survive the environmental conditions. Daily activity involves searching for food and trying to keep warm.
A bird's digestive tract is specialized for diets that change seasonally. They must eat more in fall and winter to build up body fat. When food is scarce in winter, birds may forage most of the day. They may supplement natural food sources such as nuts, seeds, fruit and insects with food from bird feeders and seek unfrozen water sources. Cedar Waxwings supplement berries with catkins. Some birds like Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatches gather in mixed flocks in search of food. These birds cache food for later use. The birds at Gilbrook Natural Area have access to bird feeders in the adjoining neighborhood.

Birds have evolved with feathers that provide insulation and the ability to increase aerobic metabolism which allows them to regulate their body temperature for warmth. Small birds lose heat faster than large birds, but some birds like house sparrows molt into thicker plumage. A bird's contour feathers contribute to insulation, but the down feathers underneath are the primary sources of insulation. Birds can change their feather positions by fluffing out their feathers to create air pockets to trap body heat for added insulation. I noticed this on the Black-capped Chickadees. Another technique we may notice, especially with ducks, gulls or herons, is that a bird may stand on one leg and the other is tucked under the body or their bill is tucked under the wing feathers for warmth. Birds can also waterproof their feathers with oils from the uropygial gland, and this will provide insulation to the barbules in their feathers.
Birds have high body temperatures of around 105 degrees F and a high demand in winter for them to regulate their body temperature to conserve energy. Black-capped Chickadees put on extra fat in winter and will fatten up during the day, then burn off fat during the night to produce heat. They have evolved to conserve their energy reserves by lowering their body temperature at night in a condition called facultative hypothermia. Gulls and ducks have a countercurrent blood exchange system that regulates the rate of heat loss in their feet and legs to prevent them from freezing. Shivering is a short-term response birds may use to generate heat, however, tensing its muscles to do this requires more energy. When resting, birds may position themselves to take advantage of heat from the sun or shelter from the wind.
Birds have different strategies for finding shelter to provide warmth and cope with winter nighttime temperatures. Crows and European Starlings roost communally for warmth and protection. Microclimates create a warmer place that will reduce the rate of heat loss. Grouse and Common Redpolls can burrow into the snow for warmth. Conifers also provide a protected place for birds to spend the night. Birds such as Black-capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches and Tufted Titmice may join together and seek shelter in tree cavities.

Snag Watch:
Gilbrook Natural Area has an abundance of snags that provide foraging, shelter, caching, perching and nesting sites for birds. There was a diverse array of cavities ranging in size, texture, age and location on the snag. Some of the smaller circular holes had diameters of ¼ inch, 1 inch and 2 inches. Other larger cavities varied in size and shape and various trees had loose or missing bark. Whether a cavity is located higher up on the snag or lower may indicate whether it was used for nesting or shelter since the higher cavity may provide more protection from predators. A review of ebird observations for the past year indicates that Pileated Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker and Northern Flicker have been observed here. On several snags recent activity by the Pileated Woodpecker was observed with fresh wood chips on the ground at the base of several snags and elongated cavities. I poked with a stick inside some cavities, but didn't notice any movement. Some snags were soft or hollow inside showing signs of decomposition and others had a more solid inner core. On the more solid snags, some round small cavities were filled with leaf litter. Woodpeckers are able to excavate the hard core snags, and the cavities they create can be utilized by smaller birds like the Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse and White-breasted Nuthatch. The Pileated Woodpecker excavates different cavities for nesting and roosting. Snags are so important for birds and other wildlife that in forest management plans, foresters recommend maintaining a certain number per acre depending on the area. One snag near the trail's edge had a painted X which may indicate that it posed a hazard and is scheduled for removal.

Date: March 6, 2021
Observation Period: 3:10 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (20 minutes)
Location: Gilbrook Natural Area, Winooski, VT .5 miles
Weather: 23 degrees, cloudy, wind-7 mph WNW
Habitat: listed above
I returned to Gilbrook Natural Area today to see if I could spot any Pileated Woodpeckers. I didn't go far on the trail because it was too icy. The only birds I saw were two American Crows that stopped for a drink of water that had melted amidst the frozen reservoir.

Publicado el marzo 8, 2021 03:35 TARDE por sdz456 sdz456 | 7 observaciones | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

24 de febrero de 2021

FJ2 Observations

Publicado el febrero 24, 2021 03:19 MAÑANA por sdz456 sdz456 | 12 observaciones | 2 comentarios | Deja un comentario

21 de febrero de 2021

FJ2: ID and Flight Physiology

FJ2: FIELD OBSERVATION: ID and Flight Physiology

February 12, 2021
Observation Period: 1:35 p.m. - 3:40 p.m. (2 hours 5 minutes)
Location: Essex Junction, VT
Weather: 12 degrees F, Mostly Cloudy, Winds-5 mph
Habitat: Residential Neighborhood with bird feeders, open space mixed woodland trail dominated by Gray Birch trees, marshy area with shrubs, sumac and the Winooski River,

When the Vermont Covid-19 pandemic restrictions were implemented last Spring, I was motivated to spend more time exploring my neighborhood and since then it has become one of my favorite natural areas and birding “hot spot”. For this outing, I started by spending a few minutes observing the birds near the feeders in my backyard. A female Downy Woodpecker was at the suet, a Tufted Titmouse flitted from the sunflower feeder to eat the seed while perched on a tree branch, then back again to the feeder, and a bright red, male Northern Cardinal stood out while perched on a tree limb. The number of birds in early afternoon is less than in early morning or later in the afternoon.

As I started my walk I could hear the song of a Tufted Titmouse, peter-peter-peter in the distance. I was walking along a residential street bordered by open space. Within approximately ten minutes I observed a bird flying overhead, and I could see through my binoculars that it appeared to be a Common Raven. As it approached closer it didn't seem to be doing as much flapping as a Common Crow, but had more of a glide. As it continued on northwest, I got a view of the tail which appeared wedge-shaped. This would distinguish it from a Common Crow, however, vocalization would have helped. I also noted that no other birds were flying in the vicinity although I could hear the caws of crows in the distance. Generally, crows are not loners, but to see a single Common Raven is not unusual. For this report I read a few details to learn more about the Common Raven. They are the largest passerine (perching or songbirds) as opposed to non-passerine (pigeons, woodpeckers, kingfishers) as distinguished by the arrangement of toes. (More understanding needed for this) The glossy, black adult plumage is the same all year, but can become less glossy when worn, and the dull, brownish color of the immature obtain glossy black flight feathers by the second Prebasic molt. The bill is large with nasal bristles and there are shaggy-looking feathers (hackles) on the neck. They have long pointy wings and are known as an acrobatic flier, able to do rolls and somersaults in the air. They are one of the world's smartest birds, and research has shown that they can use intellect to put together cause and effect. The oldest known Common Raven found in Nova Scotia was at least twenty-two years seven months old.
As I continued my walk I came upon the first bird feeder and found several birds feeding from the mixed seed. The Tufted Titmice and Black-capped Chickadees would grab a seed and fly to perch on a tree limb. Three American Tree Sparrows were feeding on the ground near the feeder. A Downy Woodpecker was moving up and down the trunk of a tree.

My next stop was at another bird feeder along the way. I first noticed a Red-bellied Woodpecker in a nearby tree. The red crown and nape indicated that it was a male. I saw a Mourning Dove perched in another nearby tree. Four Black-capped Chickadees and one White-breasted Nuthatch visited the feeder. The White-breasted Nuthatch also explored the branches of a nearby tree, moving downward.
As I continued on the habitat changed from residential to an open space area with a trail used primarily by dog walkers. There is an open area at the beginning with tall grasses and shrubs that is marshy in the Spring. I stopped here and saw movement in and around the sumac. Nine American Robins were feeding in the trees and under the sumac, and I could hear soft chuckles. I then noticed four American Tree Sparrows moving around and one Mourning Dove perched in a nearby tree. I could hear a woodpecker drumming in the far distance and one tapping closer by, but I could not locate it. As I panned the area with my binoculars, I noticed something I almost missed. Sixteen Mourning Doves were sitting on the lower branches of the sumac near the ground camouflaged by the brown colors of the branches and leaves. After about ten minutes they all abruptly rose and flew off.

Some of the characteristics of two birds I saw on this outing, the Common Raven and the Mourning Dove can be contrasted. Mourning Doves are prolific breeders and have been referred to as having assembly line production throughout the breeding season. They frequent bird feeders and are more common than, for example, the Common Raven. At my bird feeder, I often get daily visits by Mourning Doves, but seldom by Common Ravens. When I see a Mourning Dove, there is usually a pair or more, but whenever I see a Common Raven it is usually alone. Mourning Doves will often just loaf on a tree branch or fly from one area to another nearby area. The Common Raven, however, may be seen flying overhead and then out of sight. Mourning Doves have a placid demeanor and are not easily spooked. They are noted to have a tiny brain, unlike the brain complexity of the Common Raven. Two characteristics of Mourning Doves are prominent: the mournful perch cooing sound and the loud whistling of their wings when they take-off and land. They can also clap their wings when they takeoff. I found it surprising to learn that their flight is smooth and swift, and they can make a rapid change of pace and altitude. Their pointy elliptical wings, like a Common Raven, and pointy tails enable them to be fast fliers. The Mourning Dove is the most hunted species in North America with approximately two million birds taken each year, however, it is not a legal game bird in Vermont.
Before I left my stationary position, three Eastern Bluebirds flew into the sumac and began feeding. Then, as I continued along the trail, the habitat changed to groves of gray birch trees and within a short time the Winooski River was in sight. The water was flowing rapidly with islands of ice here and there. I stopped at various spots along the trail to observe ducks in the distance with my binoculars. A spotting scope would have provided much better detail. I counted 26 Black Ducks, 14 Mallards and 3 Common Mergansers. Along the bank of the river, American Robins were foraging. A lone American Crow seemed to be drinking water from the river.
On the return walk home, a few American Crows were added to my count.

Source Links:
Birds of the World.org (The Cornell Lab)
AllAboutBirds.org (The Cornell Lab)
https://northernwoodlands.org/outside_story/article/the-secret-life-of-the-mourning-dove

https://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/bwdsite/solve/faqs/are-birds-smart.php

https://ebird.org/checklist/S81269682

Black-capped Chickadee:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qDJAspqELMwG8Z9653jRwsKbhPKGf7Vl/view?usp=sharing

Publicado el febrero 21, 2021 11:00 TARDE por sdz456 sdz456 | 12 observaciones | 2 comentarios | Deja un comentario

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