Field Journal 5

Field Journal 5: Migration
April 4, 2021
Start time: 9:07
End time: 10:28
Location: UVM Redstone Campus and Burlington Country Club, Burlington, VT
Weather: 34 degrees F, 90% cloud cover, SSE wind at 1 mph
Habitats: small body of water surrounded by cattails/fragmites and small shrubbery, open grassland with small fragments of forested areas and lone trees

A number of year rounds species of birds have been observed in Burlington over the past few weeks. Some of the most prominent ones, species that were seen during this observation, were the Downy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, Black-capped Chickadee, and American Crow. These resident species may not undergo migration as they have adapted to take advantage of different food sources present throughout the year, and choose not to expend vast amounts of energy on migration. For example, looking at a Black-capped Chickadee, they have a small conical shape beak that is well adapted to accessing seeds from conifer species, such as the cones of the Norway Spruce. This allows them to become successful herbivores during harsh weather. White-breasted Nuthatches are also well adapted to the harsh winters of Vermont, as their long, thin beak allows them to access hibernating insects beneath the barks of trees. Residential species are well equipped to access all the resources they may need, allowing them to forgo the energy expense of migration.

Varying facultative migrants were observed as well, with a primary species being the Red-winged Blackbird. At this time in Vermont, males have begun to arrive prior to females to establish breeding territories. A majority of these species travel from the southern and western US (such as NY, MA, CT, RI PA, and NJ) where they may be seen year round, but around 10% of the birds that fill this western VT habitat will forgo migration. During migration, the birds travel northwards to a more ideal breeding habitat with more ample resources. Changes in this breeding habitat may include a warmer temperature, resulting in the regrowth of foliage, awakening of insects, and melting of water bodies where they are often found. Habitat and food supply for these species may occasionally be unpredictable, and drive or prohibit migratory behavior to or from the Burlington area.

An obligate migrant that was observed was the Turkey Vulture. As this species travels northwards to find appropriate breeding habitat, it may come across some advantageous resources in the Burlington area. During this spring time, many manuals and other organisms are becoming more common, and are coming out of winter hibernation. As a result, more carnage may occur, and there will be more food sources for these birds. Additionally, the weather in this area is becoming more warm, but not too warm, providing adequate weather for breeding. On the negative side, foliage and plants are just beginning to grow, limiting potential protection for nesting from predators or environmental factors.

Mini Activity
Total km travelled: 8261 km

Year Round
White-breasted Nuthatch 0 km
American Robin 0 km
American Crow 0 km
Downy Woodpecker 0 km
Blue Jay 0 km
Common Raven 0 km
Black-capped Chickadee 0 km
European Starling 0 km
House Sparrow 0 km
TOTAL: 0 km

Facultative
Dark-eyed Junco 0 - 330 km
Canada goose 0 - 160 km
Mallard 0 - 1538 km
Song Sparrow 0 - 1215 km
American Goldfinch 0 - 1300 km
Red-winged Blackbird 0 - 1135 km
TOTAL: 5678 km

Obligate
Common Grackle 186 km
Turkey Vulture 241 km
Ring-billed Gull 418 km
Cooper’s Hawk 1738 km
TOTAL: 2583 km

Posted on April 5, 2021 08:41 PM by acshiers