Field Journal #7

-4/24/2021
-9-10:50 am EST
-Redstone Campus
-Overcast (100% cloud cover), Light 10mph S/SE wind, 55 degrees Fahrenheit
-primarily saw habitat made up of Norway Spruce, Red pines, paper birch, Eastern Hemlock, and an unidentified coniferous bush.

I have noticed a myriad of clues this week that indicate mating season has begun. I have heard the regular drumming of woodpeckers (as compared to feeding which has an irregular pattern) that is part of male woodpeckers attracting mates. Additionally, there is a European Starling nest right outside my window, and I have repeatedly heard their song, likely to defend their territory from other birds. Additionally, when I went on my walk, the nosiest bird song came from a group of Norway Spruces. This is likely because conifers are highly competitive for nest selection. They offer increased cover and protection for birds that are nesting in early spring, while other trees still remain barren.

I observed two nests on my walk. One was hidden among some the branches of a coniferous bush and another was among some cattails on a peninsula in the redstone constructed wetlands. Both of these areas are highly competitive.

The nest I found in the coniferous bush had dirt caked on some of the sides, which (along with its size) indicated that it likely belonged to an American Robin or Northern Cardinal. Birds like these that nest early in the Spring depend on bushes like these to provide cover and protection for their nests and future broods. I was able to see this nest up close and observed that it was made up of twigs, grass, and some mud. Robins utilize grass and twigs that are generally about 6 inches long. These materials are prevalent nearby beneath a group of Norway Spruce, however I don't know if collecting from that area might infringe on another bird's territory. So, it is possible that the robin might have to travel further in order to gather these materials. As for the mud, robins often use mud to cake around the outside of the nest for additional stability. They gather the mud in their beaks after it has rained. Mud should have been easily accessible in their territory and it had recently rained.

The wetland nest that I observed was also in a competitive location. The constucted wetlands is a small area that can fit a finite number of territories. However, many species such as Canada Geese, Mallards, Red-winged Blackbirds, and others show preferences for areas like this. Mallards and other water birds prefer nesting sites near the wetlands. Red-winged Blackbirds (and some other grassland species) similarly utilize the cover of cattails and wetland shrubbery for their nests but proximity to the water does not have as much of a role in their preferences. I observed several Red-winged Blackbirds here that were almost continuously exhibiting territorial behavior by singing.
The nest that I observed was occupied by a Canada goose. Ideal Canada Geese nesting sites are within 150 feet of the water and are concealed by wetland plants. The nest I observed was absolutely ideal for these conditions. It was on a small peninsula the stretched into the pond, the nest was almost right on the water. And this peninsula was densely covered in cattails and phragmites which provided the nest with concealment from potential predators. Due to the immense benefits of this nesting site it is likely a highly competitive territory to obtain and defend. This individual's ability to maintain and defend this territory indicates high fitness.

NOTE: picture of sound map exercise is on last picture of red-winged blackbird observation.

Posted on April 26, 2021 07:39 PM by ben__simms