Archivos de diario de marzo 2020

07 de marzo de 2020

Field Journal 2

For my second field journal entry, I went to Derway Island in Burlington, VT which I had never been to before. More specifically, the bike path along the waterfront. Around this area, it is mostly a riparian forest. It was about 40 degrees outside and I was there from around 2:00-3:00 PM with my friend Addy. We saw a lot more species this time than last time including, Canada Geese, Mallards, Ring-billed Gulls, a Black-capped Chickadee, and a beautiful Bald Eagle. We also heard at least one Pileated Woodpecker.
In order to keep warm I believe these birds surviving throughout the winter can insulate themselves. They can do this by fluffing out their feathers and creating air pockets so that air is trapped. Birds also enjoy huddling together to keep warm and also shiver like humans to generate body heat. Since usual food that birds eat are scarce in the winter, they tend to eat more high calorie foods in the winter. Bird-feeders are very helpful at this time of year. In other seasons, birds tend to eat more of berries and insects which are much harder to find in the winter time.
At night, small forest birds (like the Black-capped Chickadee) may sleep in tree cavities or snags while others like song birds may find a spot on a branch that is sheltered from different types of weather. I believe Woodpeckers also find tree cavities to sleep in or make their own and Mallards sleep on the water. Birdhouses are also proven to be used by several different birds during the frigid winter season to conserve body heat.

Publicado el marzo 7, 2020 02:02 MAÑANA por juliannamason juliannamason | 6 observaciones | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

25 de marzo de 2020

Field Journal 4

Today is March 23, 2020 and I am in my hometown of North Andover, Massachusetts. It is about 2 PM, and about 40 degrees outside. I traveled long and far to my luscious backyard. There is a marsh right next to my house and lots of trees in my backyard with very visible bird nests. When I looked out the window to the backyard, it was filled with birds including Black-capped Chickadees, Blue Jays, Northern Cardinals, and American Robins. I also heard signs of woodpeckers and a Tufted Titmouse. I had never actually realized how many birds lived in my backyard until now. Going outside in the quiet and just watching and hearing them was fascinating.
The birds I observed were interacting by singing. I also saw a couple chickadees what looked like chasing after one another, although I am not sure what that meant. I think when the birds were singing to each other they may have been warning one another of a predator. Maybe me, or my small pooch who was also outside for a little. The plumage for Northern Cardinal especially the one male I observed was bright red, while the American Robin had an orange-y belly and breast and the rest of the body being blackish. Maybe the brighter the red in the male Northern Cardinal, the more it attracts a female partner. The American Robin I took a picture of was resting on a branch for about 20 minutes. Maybe it was a time for this bird to rest before it completes other activities in its circadian rhythm.

Publicado el marzo 25, 2020 09:14 TARDE por juliannamason juliannamason | 4 observaciones | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

Archivos