Journal 1: ID &amp; Flight Physiology

Location: Sand Bar State Park
Weather: Sunny
Temp: 19 F
2/19/2019

Birds:
Song Sparrow(?): 1
European Starling(?): 1
I wanted to view them for longer but both left, and I couldnt find them again :(
Black-capped Chickadee: 5
Downy Woodpecker: 2

I viewed the Downy Woodpecker & Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee:
The flight of the Chickadee was quick, and like short pulses, followed by jumping around on the ground, and bounding off to a branch around. I was able to notice that the tail of the Chickadee was spread while in the air, whereas it was compact while on the ground. I also noticed that the Black-capped Chickadee was able to fly in the same spot for a while before dropping on a branch. I couldn't see the individual wing flaps due to this species being so small, but it was very quick for it to move around, and the wing flaps looked like they moved in a circular motion, as if their shoulder blades were rolling.

Downy Woodpecker:
The flight of this bird was angled, his back was aligned with his head going upward, while his tail was facing down. Unlike the Black-capped Chickadee, I was able to see the wing patterns when this bird moved. I noticed that it looked like the Downy's wings moved directly up and down with much more power.

You can use the flight pattern alone to identify one of these species because the Black-capped chickadee moves quickly, and can hop around on a branch or on the ground to forage. The Downy Woodpecker moved in a very angular manner, and can be identified because where they moved was directly to a tree, rather than to sit on a branch or the floor. I believe I saw a bunch of different species at this time of day because it was beautiful outside, and perfect time to see prey items and forage. I believe if I wanted to see a bunch of birds, and many individuals of a single species, I would go out early in the morning. Luckily, however I got out of class early this morning, and was able to take a trip to the Sand Bar State Park before mid-day.

Publicado el febrero 19, 2019 07:53 TARDE por