Field Ornithology Journal Entry Four 05/20/2020

On May 21, 2020 I conducted a bird walk at Sumner Falls on the Connecticut river in Hartland, VT with the goal of identify as many water and riparian species as possible. This bird walk was conducted between the hours of 7:15AM and 11:30 AM. The weather was sunny and ranged from 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit over the course of the morning. Winds were moderate and consistent our of the south. The water temperature in this area remained relative cool likely in the 40 degrees Fahrenheit range. The sumner falls area in which I visited is a rock outcrop in the Connecticut river which results in a transitions from quick flowing rapids to a large pool with an eddy creating a large cove with a camping area around it. The surrounding area which I am familiar with includes a steep bank with mixed forest, with a transition from forest to shrubs to a small grassland sections before the river bank, and a predominantly coniferous forest on the north side of the boat access where the driveway comes through. I chose to spend my morning in this area as previous excursions to this site for a former class revealed a great diversity of waterfowl using the river as a travel corridor, but this was not the case today.

I was surprised after my morning today to find this sight had relatively low species diversity. I watched song sparrows, killdeer, and spotted sandpipers consistently throughout the morning, but other species activity was few and far between. The habitat was good for Killdeer and Spotted Sandpipers, but I am unable to explain the unusually high numbers of song sparrows within this area, being that is appeared many other species of bird aren't using this area. Waterfowl activity in this area was relatively slow which I suspect may have to do with the warm temperature. Having never seen a spotted sandpiper before today this experience leaves me wondering if they are always relatively comfortable around humans, or if the individuals in this area have had enough exposure to humans through recreational activity, that they have become comfortable.

One question I come away with after my experience in the field is what prompted the American Crows to chase the Osprey? In the past I have observed songbirds chasing crows, and hawks to protect their nests, but have never witnessed crows harassing other birds.

Publicado el mayo 22, 2020 12:35 MAÑANA por thatchermorrison