April 15, 2020 Field Journal 6

Date: April 15th, 2020
Time: 12:05 PM - 2 PM
Location: Calais, Vermont
Weather: 40 degrees, sunny, very windy
Habitat: White and Yellow Birch grove/vernal pool

Species:
2 American Robin
8 Black-capped Chickadee
1 Common Grackle
3 Mallard (1 Male, 2 Female)
1 Red-tailed Hawk

Today was lack lustering in terms of birding. The wind was very strong making it difficult to record bird songs and calls as well as determine the general location of where they were coming from. I was located in a White and Yellow Birch grove (predominately White Birch) that has one of many vernal pools near my house. This is also the confirmed location of a Ruffed Grouse perch (my uncle who is a forester has come across a male drumming in this location several times) although none were observed today. Spishing once again proved successful, although only Black-capped Chickadees seemed receptive; no other species seemed to mob. 3 Mallards were seen flying overhead on the walk back. One was clearly male based on the distinct head plumage and at least one of the mothers was an adult female. It was hard to tell if the third was a juvenile or not, but based on the relative size to the others I would guess it was another female. Once again, the Red-tailed Hawk was seen while out in the field flying in a South Eastern direction. I have seen with Hawk on numerous occasions and believe its nest is nearby.

Posted on April 16, 2020 12:39 AM by simonbradley