sheamacleods dagbok

I began this observation at 2:04 p.m. on March 7th, 2024. The weather was about 43 degrees Fahrenheit and partly sunny with 12 mph northern winds. I returned to the site I visited two weeks ago and had a completely different experience. I was on the bike path at the end of Killarney Rd. where there is a small path to the beach and an overlook on the lake. Some frequent tree species typical to this area include Eastern hackberry, White oak, Sugar maple, and there were lots of vines covering the forest floor and wrapping around the trunks of the trees.

Because I visited my site on a relatively nice day, there were many different of species of birds singing simultaneously. Even though I couldn't see the birds, I noticed that when one bird started to get loud a lot of the surrounding birds did as well and vice versa. I heard a tufted titmouse making its typical "peter peter" call and another tufted titmouse responded with the same call from the other side of the bike path. It seemed like a group of sparrows were communicating with each other and trying to stay in contact to make their presence known.

I really love the plumage of the downy woodpecker. It was perched on a branch in front of me for about 3 whole minutes, so I had a good opportunity to observe it, I also had a close interaction with an American robin. These two species of birds have very different plumage. The American robin has more muted brown and red towns and I was thinking it was so they could blend in with the leaves on the ground so predators from above couldn't spot them as well. However, the downy woodpecker has a more robust plumage with a bright red spot on its head and black and white checkered wings and tail. The distinct red patch is a good way for the Downy woodpecker to establish territory and attract mates while the black and white tail helps them blend in with the bark of trees.

I tried making the "pish" call for about 10 minutes and I have no clue if I was making the right sound but after I thought it wouldn't do anything, a black-capped chickadee perched about 15 feet away from me. Otherwise, I did not have much success with noticing changes in the bird's behavior when making these noises I think I was doing it wrong. This song could be enticing to birds because it could mimic an alarm call and make birds curious.

Today is March 27th, 2024 and I have just completed my field observation for journal 4 at the rock point trails just off the bike path. I returned to the same spot for my journals, but this time ventured off onto the side paths and trials next to the bike path. I began my observations at 2:37 p.m. and finished at 3:41 p.m. Today was cloudy, 48 degrees Fahrenheit, and there were northern 14 mph winds.

Some of the year-round residents I have continually observed include Black-capped Chickadee's, Blue Jay, Downy Woodpecker, and American Crow. These year-round residents have adapted to survive the harsh winters here in Burlington. A physiological trait that is key to surviving the winter is a thick plumage as well as increasing metabolic rate. Black-capped Chickadee's and Downy Woodpeckers have thick insulating feathers that help them to retain their body heat all year. Behavioral adaptations may include reducing activity levels, roosting in groups, or roosting in areas protected from harsh conditions. The only species I observed that migrates only sometimes or is considered a short migrant is the American Robin. Some individuals migrate south to find places with more abundant food sources while others don't. Some species that migrate completely south or to Central America or Mexico include Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Yellow Warblers, and Red-winged Blackbirds. These birds migrate to reduce competion and find places with more abundant food sources and to escape the harsh winter conditions. Arriving in early April has its advantages and disadvantages. Advantages include being able to establish breeding territory, more available nesting sites, and longer daylight hours. Disadvantages include risk of cold weather, competition for resources, or limited food availability. I am hoping that soon I will see one of the species or another migrant on my next birding adventure.

Because every bird I observed is a year-round resident except for in the cases the American Robin, I used maps to determine their possible winter range. All About the Birds showed that they have been reported to migrate to central Mexico. Their wintering range could be anywhere from 0 - 2,131 miles. For my next observation I hope to observe different and less abundant species. The last 3 times, I have observed more or less the same species. This also could be because I am new to birding, but I'm hoping to see some migrants soon!