Field Journal 3 Feb 28 Sean Devine

Start and End Times: 12:30pm-2:30pm
Date: 2/25/2023
Location: Sucker Brook Hollow, Williston Vermont
Weather: Clear, 13F
Habitat: Mixed hardwood forest with some sections dominated by conifers
Species Observed: Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse
The day I was out had very low temperatures, with a high of 13F. Despite this, the two species I observed were fairly active. The Tufted Titmouse I observed were in a fairly dense stand of trees, close to the trunk. These birds can utilize their environment to stay out of the wind, in trees or other crevices that occur naturally. Additionally, like all birds, their feathers are key in insulating from the cold temperatures this time of year, trapping warmer air close to their body. Some research I did reveals they also survive the winter by hoarding food in the fall months.
The other species I saw was Black-capped Chickadee, which were similarly remaining in a dense hemlock stand to avoid the wind, using its feathers as insulation, and storing food for the winter. Further research showed they actually go into a nightly hypothermia to conserve energy, reducing their temperature in a controlled manner to about 15 degrees below normal. This allows them to save limited energy stores instead of using them to maintain a high body temperature.
Both birds seem to be most active at this time of day when it is warmest, using the opportunity to stay warm and seek food. To stay warm at night, they seek sheltered roosting spots, such as a tree cavity. Both birds' diets this time of year consists mostly of seeds, supplemented by any nearby feeders. On the property, bird activity was highest in areas with younger trees/shrubs mixed with older ones, but some activity was also seen on edges near neighboring properties.
In keeping an eye out for snags, I didn't notice a large amount of them, perhaps because much of the forest appears younger and some sections owned by landowners looked to be managed forests. The biggest snags I saw were large beech which had fallen victim to beech bark disease. Some of these had entire large cavities in them, but many had large rectangular Pileated Woodpecker holes. Other snags I observed were mostly pine and hemlock, which had smaller holes, possibly from Downy or Hairy Woodpeckers. I saw no correlation between the abundance of snags and bird abundance, but I was on the property at midday, not at dusk. Tapping on snags didn't cause anything to emerge from cavities, but again, the time of day wasn't one where I'd expect that. Snags are important due to their role as a habitat requirement for dozens of Vermont birds. As evidenced by some of the holes, they are vital as a food source for some birds including woodpeckers, and for other species they serve as a place for shelter or nesting.

Posted on March 1, 2023 06:18 PM by sedevine sedevine

Observations

Photos / Sounds

What

Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)

Observer

sedevine

Date

February 25, 2023

Description

Sex: unknown
Behavior: Singing from upper branches of young hardwood trees
Habitat: Interior forest of mostly maple and oak

Photos / Sounds

What

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)

Observer

sedevine

Date

February 25, 2023

Description

Sex: unknown
Behavior: Singing from lower branches of mature hemlocks
Habitat: Coniferous/mixed forest

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