rrhender's Journal

I took recordings of a couple of other species of birds but could not ID then so they're not here sadly.
Time: 4:30-5:30pm
Date: 4/6
Location: Conservation land, Stow MA
Weather: 60 and sunny with sparse clouds -> cool breeze coming through
Habitat: On edge of marsh in conversation land and on private property on edge of the conservation land.

There are many ways that birds are able to forego migration, birds like chickdees are able to do so by eating seeds and living near humans and picking from their feeders. Birds like the Great Blue heron, survive by finding places where they can hunt fish or toads, and when that become inaccessable they turn to hunting land animals. Many of these species are currently changing from their wintering morphs into their breeding morphs as the weather warms. The way they choose to feed throughout the year changes throughout the year, changing the way they behave. The ability to change these behaviors allow them to fill the niches of the birds that have left for migration.

The chipping sparrow is a breeding migrant to the area in Mass, it probably came from the southern US or Mexico. Their breeding area extends from the mid-US area all the way to Alaska. The bird I saw could either just be stopping by to refuel or remaining here for the breeding season. It is rather early I think, possibly because of how warm it has been recently and the increasing length of days. It gains some advantage to being here before later migrants as it has its choice of nesting spots and access to feed stores early on.

Mini activity: The Chipping Sparrow would have to fly ~3600miles if it was wintering near Mexico City to arrive here in Massachusetts.
The other birds I saw are birds that winter here.

Time: 3:30-5pm
Date: 4/21
Location: Walk starting at house in Stow, MA then through conservation lands leading to a cemetery in Maynard MA.
Weather: 50 or so and sunny with intermittent cloudiness
Habitat: Varied habitat, starting at a suburban feeder, then through thick old wood/coniferous forest, finally into a very groomed cemetery with some old or dying trees.

What behaviors (visual and aural) are you seeing that are related to mate selection, nest selection, or territory selection?

I am seeing a lot of breeding pairs already joined up, they tend to be present together, and will sing back and forth when in the trees, I see this a lot with the Goldfinch pair that we have on our property. I am also hearing a lot of males performing song or displaying. The downy's that were observed fighting over territory were a clear sign of this. I have not seen much in the way of nest selection though we have some nesting boxes that some species of birds have inhabited.

Where, specifically, on the property might some of your observed species be nesting? How do these habitat requirements differ from species to species?

I know we have some birds nesting in suburban nest boxes, such as our Eastern Bluebirds. Other suburban birds like the House Finches are choosing to nest in eaves and gutters on horses. On the other hand, I have seen woodpeckers and crows preparing nests in tree tops of cavities for young. These are mostly old wood trees that can be hollowed out easily or have already been hollowed out by another animal.

Find a bird that may be defending a territory (i.e. singing). Is it defending a prime or poor territory compared to other members of its species? What might this indicate about that birds’ fitness?

I have seen a few male downy woodpeckers defending territory against other males. Much of this is done through song or physical attacks. The one bird I have been watching particularly has chosen a beautiful stand of trees near-ish to a small pond and is surrounded by older/dead trees that are perfect for bugs. I would assume that this bird is a very fit individual and should produce good offspring.

Pick a different bird and describe what it may be using to build or line its nest. Where, specifically, would it have to go to acquire these materials?

Tufted Titmouse' are commonly cavity builders. I would assume that they would line it with soft things such as animal hair, dry leaves, and moss. I think they in comparison to where I live, they're probably going to peoples lawns for animal hair and moss, and just down near their trees to acquire leaves. I also live in an area with a lot of farms, so I would not be surprised if birds used horse hair or wool for their nests as well.