Field Journal 7
Date: 24 April 2021
Time: 10:00 - 11:30
Location: Great Hill in Acton, MA
Habitat: Small conservation land with an even mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. A small pond is located at one end of the forest where there is higher foot traffic.
Weather: Clear, blue skies and sunny. 9 mph W wind.
Temperature: 63 F
Species Count: 14
Some behaviors I noticed regarding mate selection and nesting were duetting and a sort of inter-species nest building. In my walk through the woods I heard mostly Tufted Titmice, and usually they came in pairs. I would hear a song from one side of the path, and another song pitched higher or lower immediately following from the other side. I am not sure if the difference in pitch is due to difference in sex or varies by individual, but the songs definitely seemed to be in response to one another. The other thing I noticed was a pair of American Robins that were collecting twigs off the ground, while a squirrel chomped off more sprigs from the top of the tree. This is likely not a true codependence, but a coincidence where the squirrel was able to access food and inadvertently drop nest material for the birds.
One of the coolest finds I made this weekend was of a Barred Owl hiding in its nest. It was holed up in a snag about twenty feet off the ground. I remember hearing chicks in the area last fall but was unable to see them. This owl only peeked the top of its head out of the cavity, and I could not compare its size to the mate, so I could not tell if it was the male or female. It was very cute though. Barred Owls prefer natural cavities high off the ground and tend not to alter the space much. If anything, they may add mosses, pine needles, or other minimal bedding material. This would not be terribly difficult in Great Hill because there are densely packed areas of coniferous trees, as well as swampy areas towards the pond: perfect for gathering lichens and tree sprigs. This family has been around since 2020, and I have read that Barred Owls tend to mate for life and stay in the same area if they are able. So, this couple may have little competition since the forest is on the smaller side. There is likely not much room for another family to occupy. The location of their nest is ideal as it is located near the pond, and I have read that Barred Owls like to live in matured forests with a diverse food selection including fish and frogs (of which there are many in the pond)!
Mini Activity is attached to BB submission.
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