Reproductive Ecology

Date: 4/21/2019
Time: 3:30-6:45
Location: North Beach (Observations occurred on the walk to the cliffs)
Weather: Partly cloudy, ~70 F

I saw many different behaviors occurring during my observations at North Beach Park on April 21st 2019. Starting with nesting choice, I have attached two pictures of different nests I noticed, both of which were by the cliffs of North Beach, which faced the sunset. I did not see any birds occupying the nests, but I noticed one was on a very dangerous ledge, where if the nestling fell, they would be doomed, so this made me question why a bird would ever build a nest here. When thinking about it, I realized that although it is dangerous for the nestlings, it is also dangerous for any predators trying to get at the nest. The other picture attached, shows a nest that's near the cliffs but further from the edge, and in a safer area. I noticed a third edge, but was unable to take a picture because my phone died, however it was on the ground, covered by a bush, in a field.

I saw a few behaviors I would relate to mate selection between two Song Sparrows. I saw two Song Sparrows, who kept flying together, side by side, or following each other. Whenever they would land, they would hop on the ground together looking for food I imagine, and then fly off again, until they were out of sight.

On Blackboard, I attached the image of the sound map I made while observing at two different locations. I decided to try it in an open field, and on the cliffs and see where the most diversity was. I noted that the most diversity and sound was produced in the field, which I think may be the cause of multiple different habitable niches existing in the area. In the field, I heard 2 White-breasted Nuthatches, a Northern Cardinal, 4(?) American Robins, a Black-capped Chickadee, and two birds I was unable to distinguish. One bird was hiding in a bush making a "Chirp Chirp" noise, and I have attached a sound file and picture of the individual. I also heard something similar to a Northern Cardinal at the field, however it was a little different and I couldn't quite place it. On the cliffs, I heard fewer individuals, and I was a bit unsure about what I thought was an American Kestrel. I saw and heard 3 Song Sparrows, an American Crow, and a Tufted Titmouse.

Publicado el abril 22, 2019 08:31 TARDE por