Field Journal 5
3/25/2023
Start: 12:15 PM
End: 2:06 PM
Location: Mills Riverside Park Jericho, VT
Temperature: 39°F
Weather: Overcast, windy, light snowfall began around 1:30 PM
Habitat: Open field with patches of dense forest, trails lead up and through heavily wooded hillside. Most trees and brush bare, fallen trees and logs littered throughout. Ground covered in snow, partially melted. River running along and small snow melt streams throughout hillside. High levels of human and dog activity.
This week I traveled to Mills Riverside Park in Jericho, VT. I arrived at 12:15PM and began walking along the trail. The first section of the park featured a wide open field with a large, covered pavilion set further back. Looking back now, I wish I had scoped this structure out to see if any birds had built nests in the ceiling beams, as it would provide great protection from elements, wind, and other predators. I did not hear much bird activity as I walked around this field, I saw some birds fly overhead, but I was unable to capture footage or identify them on the spot. I followed the path through a wooded area and into another section of open field. This section of the park was a designated off-leash area for dogs, and sure enough I saw 3 dogs running around playing fetch here. Despite the high level of activity, this was the only place where I clearly heard and saw birds! At around 12:45PM I heard the distinct "cheeeeeseburger" call of a Black-capped Chickadee! I listened for a few minutes before walking by the trees where the sounds were coming from. Sure enough, I saw 3, small, white, grey, and black birds flying from tree to tree. Despite my presence, the birds continued chatting and I was able to capture a pretty clear audio recording.
After a little while of bird and dog watching, I exited the off-leash area and continued along the path. The trail lead up into a more densely wooded area and continued increasing in elevation. I expected to hear and see a lot more birds in this area, but to my dismay I saw none. I walked up the path for about 45 minutes and saw maybe 6 or 7 more dogs and a few humans, but no birds aside from those flying above the canopy. A few times I thought I heard pecking noises, but it turned out to be noises from the trees swaying and creaking in the wind. At around 1:30PM, it began snowing lightly. I kept following the path and eventually started going downhill. I made it back to beginning area and saw some more dogs and people, but no birds. By this time, the snow had started to come down a bit harder and the wind picked up. I got to my car at 2:06 PM and concluded this bird excursion with only one true sighting! Bummer but I was glad to have recorded some good audio.
I have been seeing Black-capped Chickadees here in Vermont all winter! According to the National Wildlife Federation and research done by biologist Susan Sharbaugh, Black-capped Chickadees have adapted extremely effective behaviors and traits that allow them to survive in the cold winter months. First, Black-capped Chickadees have the ability to go into regulated hypothermia at night, meaning their body temperature drops significantly at night to reserve energy stores. In addition, Black-capped Chickadees have thick, insulated winter coats that help them retain heat and stay at the necessary body temp even in below freezing temperatures. I think the most interesting thing I've read about Black-capped Chickadees is that they have a great memory and will hide food around their territory to retrieve later. How neat is that! Pair these adaptations with a good roosting spot and these birds are set for the winter!
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