juliannamason's Journal

Today is April 8th. I was outside observing birds from about 12 PM until 2 PM. The weather is relatively warm, in the late 40's. I was again in my backyard in North Andover, Massachusetts, this time with a bird feeder set up. One of the species I observed was the American Robin (which I believe is a facultative migrant species). They may forego migration because of territorial reasons. They don't want others in their territory, and it also gives them early access to the best breeding grounds. To adapt to staying in the winter, Robins change their diet from insects to winter fruits since insects are scarce in the freezing temperatures. They also form flocks so that it is easier to avoid predators and have a better chance at finding food. Another facultative migrant that may be arriving in Burlington would be the Red-winged Blackbird. It was probably coming from the southern United States traveling either to places like Vermont or Canada for the warmer weather. The weather down south might get too hot for these migrants and decide to come up north where the weather is a bearable temperature in the summer months for them and have easy access to food. An advantage of arriving in April for obligate migrants might be access to good breeding grounds. A disadvantage might be that there is a possibility of cold weather still happening and less food availability. Also, more susceptibility to predators in Burlington.

Today is April 15th, 2020. I was outside for around 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on an open field with dense forest close by. The weather was sunny and lingering around 50 degrees.

Today is April 22, Earth Day! I am still currently in my hometown of North Andover, MA and in my backyard. It is sunny and about 45 degrees and stayed observing from 2:00 PM to about 3:30 PM. I saw two Black-capped Chickadees look like they were chasing each other which could be related to mate selection. I also saw one American Robin carrying material and bringing it back to the nest, which could have been for the nest or just food. Two Northern Cardinals were resting on some shrubby branches. The male appeared to be giving the female some food and was also singing a lot, marking his territory. There is one American Robin that has made her nest on the side of my house on top of a light with protection from my roof. The Blue Jays might prefer making nests in oak trees while Black-capped Chickadees prefer birch trees. Different species prefer different habitats. Black-capped Chickadees nest usually in snags of alder or birch trees. Blue Jays enjoy oaks and can nest several feet in the air, up to 30. House Sparrows usually nest near or in human-made things like buildings or holes in walls. Northern Cardinals set up their nests in dense shrubs or low trees usually only about 3-10 ft off the ground. I found a Northern Cardinal previously mentioned that may have been defending his territory by singing. The territory seemed prime as it was where Northern Cardinals usually nest which can suggest he has better fitness than others of his species. I don't think its a bad idea for birds to be nesting under the eaves outside my back door because it can provide protection from weather and even predators. The American Robin I saw was using dead grass, twigs, and some feathers. To find these materials American Robins forage on the ground. Sound Map - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u74vbVcWxZKf3nnwzRD25V2Hchyj-E6aaIBXl3soafw/edit