Field Journal Entry #1

Date: February 9, 2024
Start time: 14:37
End time: 15:53
Location: Williams Woods Natural Area (44.270207, -73.251739)
Temperature: 49°F
Wind speed/direction: 12 mph S
Precipitation: 0”
Habitat(s): mature, valley clayplain forest

Species List:
American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
American robin (Turdus migratorius)
Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)

Today’s fieldwork took place at Williams Wood Nature Preserve to observe the flight patterns of different birds relative to their wing shape, flight style, and habitat niche. The first species of bird I encountered was the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). I heard them before I saw them and looked up to see four flying together. Their flight pattern was decently straightforward with minimal dips and many flaps. They occasionally glided but not for very long before returning to the rhythmic beating of their wings. The distinctive “caw” and fan-shaped tail were clear identifiers but the flight pattern helped solidify any doubts of confusing them with the common raven (Corvus corax). Watching them fly reminded me of the saying “as the crow flies” which refers to the shortest path to take to get from point A to point B, and it was clear to me why people say that - their flight pattern is the most direct route with no dips to slow them down.
In contrast, the second species I identified was the American robin (Turdus migratorius) which had a much more erratic flight pattern compared to the American crow. Again, I heard the bird before I saw it and observed as it quickly fluttered from one tree to another. In the split second that I was able to see its flight pattern, the difference between the two species was like night and day. There was much more flapping involved in the robin’s flight and, unlike the crow, had dips where it would tuck its wings in (presumably to minimize drag and ride on momentum) before spreading their wings once again to allow the lift to keep them airborne. Honorable mentions of birds that I briefly heard but did not see were the Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) and a pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus).
I think a major factor in the difference between the flight patterns is their wing shape. The wing shapes are directly correlated to their ecological niche and environmental needs. The robin has a pointed, elliptical wing shape which allows them to take off quickly but consequently does not allow lift to hold for very long. This is perfect for flitting between trees and branches while also being capable of migration. Unlike the American robin, the American crow has slotted, high-lift wings with long primaries that allow them to achieve more lift and look more leisurely. This is because their main purpose for flying is not to migrate or hunt but to get from one place to another, usually to roost. There were not many birds during my fieldwork which I think is because it was too late in the day for many birds to be flying around. I also think the lack of birds is attributed to the fact that there were many planes overhead as well as a train right next to a road so the birds probably didn’t want to hang around so much human activity. Next time, I will go to a more secluded area preferably in the early morning.

Publicado el febrero 10, 2024 01:24 MAÑANA por noxgiordano