Field Journal 1: Flight Physiology
February 20, 2021
Start: 1:30 pm
End: 3:00 pm
Location: along Redstone running path
Weather: Cloudy, slight breeze, few snowflakes
Habitat: thinly wooded area between road and field
Species List:
- Black-capped Chickadee: 9 individuals
- Mallards: 3
- American Crow: 1
- Blue Jay: 1
I decided to birdwatch along the running path that goes from the Redstone Lofts down towards the UVM Research Barn. Birds were mainly spotted in the narrow swath of trees on either side of the track or flying overhead. Because the path was pretty busy and ran alongside a road, I didn't get too much of a close look at many birds. I did hear many, but because of the lack of wind and snowy ground it was difficult to pinpoint where the noise was coming from. However, I did get some close observations of Black-capped Chickadees, which populated lower branches and brush.
While watching the chickadees, I noticed they seemed to be feeding of berries growing in the trees. They would hop and flit from one branch to the next, nibbling every now and again. When flying, they easily maneuvered through the branches with quick turns. I also noticed they were rarely alone, with at least one other in the same proximity.
While walking past the barn, I saw three mallards fly overhead. They were easily identifiable due to their long necks and the way they flew. The ducks had triangle-shaped wings and needed to constantly flap to keep flying. They did not glide. Like the chickadees, they were also in a group flying together.
I heard the crow and blue jay before I saw them, as their calls are very distinctive (caw! jay!). I saw the crow near the top of a high tree and watched it fly off. Its wings were broad and flapped slowly. I saw the blue jay in the sky after hearing its call and its white belly and neck ring confirmed the identification. It would flap a few times then glide.
