FJ7

Date: April 26, 2021
Start time/ End time: 1:00-2:30
Location: Colchester Bog, Colchester VT
Weather: 40º, windy with cloudy skies
Habitat: Forest/Marsh
Number of individuals: 34
Species: Black-capped Chickadee (11), Northern Cardinal (8), American Robin (5),Song Sparrow (6), Downy Woodpecker (2), Tufted Titmouse (2), Canada Goose (2).
Black-capped Chickadees were spotted in small groups of 2-3 or as individuals, All of the Northern Cardinals were individual, American Robins were individuals, Song Sparrows were spotted as a group of 3 and the others as individuals, Downy Woodpecker was spotted as a two individuals, Tufted Titmouse were spotted as a nesting pair. The nest I observed was right along the edge of some deeper wooded areas, so I think I would see some more nesting deeper in the wooded area because it is more covered.

Throughout my observation at Colchester bog, I was able to observe nesting behaviors of Tufted Titmice. The pair seemed to be taking their time to carefully secure their nest in a high up branch in a pine tree, they were packing leaves into the bottom of the nest one by one. The Tufted Titmice were using fallen oak leaves and twigs along with forest debris to build their nest, these materials were found right under the tree they nested in.
Along with nesting behavior, I also noticed territorial behavior. There were several Northern Cardinals (11) throughout the day. All Northern Cardinals that were spotted were males and very very vocal. Every few minutes along my walk I could hear Cardinals singing as I was passing through new territory. The cardinals that had a more open area are considered more fit, because their sound is carried over a greater distance. This would allow a Cardinal to defend their territory better and be further away from neighbor Cardinals.

Mini Activity
As I sat in the center of a circle, I heard Cardinals in every direction, Black-caopped Chickadees to the left and right of my location in some shorter trees. I also heard Canada Geese flying overhead near the top-left portion of the circle.

Posted on April 26, 2021 08:22 PM by