Field Journal for UVM Ornithology due 2/19/2020: ID and Flight Physiology

Date: 2/18/2020
Time: 1:30 P.M.
Location: Centennial Woods
Weather: 29℉, cloudy, light to moderate snowfall, gusts of winds
Habitat: Conifer tree stand next to a stream
The Black-capped Chickadee seems to take short flights, practically hopping from tree to tree using their wings. These short flights are comprised of rapid wing beats with little to no gliding. Despite the fast pace of wings, the Black-capped Chickadee moves fairly slow at least in comparison to other birds. In contrast, the American Crow flew much higher than the Black-capped Chickadee as they were probably just passing over. The American Crow takes long, deep strokes in flight, with much slower wingbeats than that of the Chickadee. The American Crows would take about 5-6 wingbeats before entering a glide.
Based on these observations, it can be assumed that these two species occupy different niche habitats. The short and slow flight of the Black-capped Chickadee and its tendency to stay low and in the trees indicate this is a niche that this species thrives. The American Crow flew overhead, suggesting the habitat being observed was not occupied by these Crows.
The differences in the flight patterns of the Black-capped Chickadee and the American Crow can be extrapolated to help identify other birds. For example, if one was to observe a bird with small wings and a rapid pace of wing beats, they could probably assume it is a species of a small songbird. Birds often share flight patterns with similar species of birds so understanding which types of birds use a flight pattern can help with basic identification. This can be extended to habitat as well. Many songbirds also occupy habitats similar to those occupied by the Black-capped Chickadee, so understanding habitats can also help with basic identification.
Unfortunately, not many different species of birds were seen today. This may be due to location; Centennial Woods, although beautiful, suffers from a healthy amount of noise pollution coming from busy roads and highways nearby. This not only makes it more difficult to hear and distinguish birdcalls but also drives wildlife to hide. Future observation locations will be chosen to be more secluded to avoid this from happening again.

Publicado el 19 de febrero de 2020 a las 02:09 AM por simonbradley