FJ7: Reproductive Ecology and Evolution

Date: 5/3/23
Start time: 2:50 pm
End time: 3:45 pm
Location: Redstone Green/campus/surrounding areas
Weather: slight wind, chilly (~50 degrees), light on/off rain
Habitat: mostly urban/human-developed areas with patches of green fields and trees

Though it was raining lightly, I saw more birds than I expected to today. Particularly, I wanted to go birding around campus because in the past couple of days I saw huge gatherings of gulls on the Redstone Green and the sports fields by Patrick Gym. I was happy to see them again today, and it makes sense that the rain wouldn't bother them since they often deal with the water from the lake/sea anyway. I was surprised to see several other species like American Robins and Tufted Titmice in the trees, as well as some Common Ravens.

As for nesting, I have seen the ravens by the gym hanging out together quite often, and I realized that they were raising a couple of babies. They have a nest in one of the trees next to Patrick Gym, and I often see them perched there or in nearby trees whenever I pass. They also tend to let out loud caws, especially when there seem to be other ravens visiting (they are quite loud!). I also heard and saw a very loud Red-winged Blackbird in one of the small trees by the Redstone north parking lot. It seemed to be competing with another Red-winged Blackbird in the next tree over, though neither of the trees seemed to be a 'prime' location, since they were right next to the parking lot and dumpsters. This could mean they are fighting for scraps of territory, but maybe not: I have also spotted the on the fence by the field somewhat nearby that has a lot of grasses on its outside, which could be a great spot for food or shelter. Judging by how loudly and aggressively the bird was singling, I suspect it may be the latter. Those wispy grasses could be great nesting material, and it wouldn't surprise me if some of the thin-stranded materials from the Redstone dumpsters were used too. Other than this, they could use leaves and twigs from the nearby forested areas.

Posted on 03 de maio de 2023, 08:37 PM by sillaystring