Social Behavior and Phenology

Date: March 21st, 2021
Start time/ End time: 7:15-8:45am
Location: Centennial Woods
Weather: ~40 degrees F, clear sky
Habitat: Forested area in heart of urban city
Number of Individuals: 59
Species: Herring Gull (11), Black-capped Chickadee (4), Northern Cardinal (1), Canada Goose (33), American Crow (8), White-breasted Nuthatch (1), Ring-billed Gull (1)
Canada Goose were found in groups of 11 and 22.
American Crows were found in flocks of approximately 4.

While Canada Goose was the most populous bird on this excursion, Herring Gulls were seen far more frequently. Canada Geese communicate mostly through honking, while flying in a straight line and at a higher altitude than most other birds I’ve noticed. Male Black-capped Chickadees communicated using a call that sounds similar to the words, “Hey sweetie” and would echo the call back and forth across the forest in an attempt to attract mates.
Canada Geese and Black-capped Chickadees have vastly different plumage which is used for vastly different ways of life. Canada Geese are waterfowl while Black-capped Chickadees are songbirds. Canada Geese use their plumage for flying long distances, diving for aquatic food sources and keeping warm. Black-capped Chickadees have plumage more suited for camouflage in the forest and less suited for aquatic diving.
On my birding excursion I came across a Northern Cardinal perched on top of an Austrian Pine Tree. The Northern Cardinal was calling a long, shrill noise in order to protect his territory. In terms of the circannual rhythm, Northern Cardinals become far more territorial and active in the spring and often stand on tall perches claiming their domain.
Spishing works to attract songbirds as it resembles the sound of insects swarming which is very enticing for insect-eating songbirds. Spishing may also sound like a mob of similar songbirds together. This could draw in others looking to chase away a nearby predator.

Posted on March 22, 2021 04:52 PM by rebeccashayross rebeccashayross

Observations

Photos / Sounds

What

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)

Observer

rebeccashayross

Date

March 21, 2021

Description

Parking lot behind Davis Center, 8am, Sunny, 40 degrees F.

Comments

No comments yet.

Add a Comment

Sign In or Sign Up to add comments