Diario de sdz456

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