FJ 7

Wednesday, May 5th
11:00 am-1pm
Cloudy 58 Degrees Fahrenheit, no wind
Habitat- Deciduous trees bordering marsh that contained low grass, snags and open water in the middle

I began my birding at the entrance to the Casavant nature area entrance. From there I walked in approximately a quarter mile to a point where the trail became adjacent to the open marsh area and offered an ideal view of the area. Along the way I heard Black-capped Chickadee songs, Common Grackles, and Song sparrows. When I arrived at the open area a pair of Canada Geese were present, one of which presumably the female eyed me closely from a matted down area of the marsh. The male goose foraged near her. The cacophony of Red-winged blackbirds competing for territory in the open marsh was amusing. One bird in particular defended His territory from a lone snag in the middle of the marsh and the nearby high vegetation. He called frequently and chased other Red-winged Blackbirds away. Song sparrows worked the perimeter of the marsh and were more elusive than the blackbirds. Common Grackles traveled in small groups moving around the marshes taller peripheral deciduous trees.

The Red-winged Blackbird shown in the observation picture had clearly superior fitness to the other birds in the area. He defended a prime location, an area right next to the open water, where plenty of food was present. He consistently was able to push other birds off his territory by chasing them and repeatedly singing.

The Canada geese present at the site clearly were defending a nest. The Female watched me for the entire time I was present. She built her nest using the downed reeds present all around her. The monogamous pair were working together with the male staying nearby while she stayed in one place.

I was able to draw a small map of the area and determine directionality and volume of the many noises in the marsh. In doing this Red-winged blackbirds dominated the scene however Song Sparrows, Cardinals and soaring Herring gulls were also presenting the soundscape. On my way out I heard Robins calling most likely alarming that I was present.

Posted on May 6, 2021 03:23 AM by andrewzilka1