sollevy's Journal
Date: 05/04/2024
Time: 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Location: West End, Portland, ME
Species List
Black-capped Chickadee: 11 individuals
American Robin: 11 individuals
American Crow: 9 individuals
House Sparrow: 5 individuals
Ring-billed Gull: 18 individuals
Ovenbird: 1 individual
Date: 04/28/2024
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Burlington, Vt (Clarke st → Redstone Green)
Species List (some audio identification only)
Northern Cardinal: 4 individuals
American Crow: 4 Individuals
Tufted Titmouse: 2 individuals
House Sparrow: 12 individuals
American Robin: 7 individuals
Black-capped Chickadee: 12 individuals
Ring-billed Gull: 9 individuals
Killdeer: 1 individual
Chimney Swift: 2 individuals
This expedition allowed for exciting observations of species I had not yet seen on one of my birding adventures, including the Killdeer and Chimney Swift. The killdeer was a very pleasant surprise as I was in a more urban area, which is a habitat they are less found in. The main behavior that I saw across species relating to mate selection were the songs of the male birds designed to attract potential mates. The two species I observed participating in this behavior most frequently were the Northern Cardinal and House Sparrow, two of the most commonly seen and recognizable bird species found throughout the state.
Taking a deeper look into the bird species I observed shows a diverse variety of nesting selection methods. One particular nesting method which I was able to observe up close, was one utilized by the Black-capped Chickadee; cavity nesting. This species is known to use already available cavities in trees or even man-made structures to build their nests within. The nest I was able to observe was located in a dry drainage pipe to a newly built apartment, and provided a perfect opportunity to view this nesting method. Another species I observed that utilizes similar methods is the House Sparrow, as they are also known to make nests in previously found cavities, natural or not. A species showing an entirely separate nesting behavior is the Ring-billed Gull. These medium-to-large birds nest on the ground, often close to a large body of freshwater. They are also a species that nests in colonies that can grow to thousands and thousands of individuals. Most territorial displays noted relied on the persistent call or song of certain species, most prominently the House Sparrow. This is a species that can thrive in urban areas as their flexible diet provides ample food opportunities. For this reason, I would define most of these defended territories as small but prime areas as the large population prevents territorial claims of larger areas.
Mini-activity:
