Field Observation #6

Around 8am today (April 23, 2017), I ventured out to Forest Park. It is located in Springfield, MA, and has a diverse variety of habitats including ponds and marshy areas, patches of forest, and fields. It was sunny and clear, about 65 degrees with a light breeze. In other words, a beautiful morning!
It was very clear the moment I got out of my car that the Red-winged Blackbirds were in full mate-competition mode. I could hear no less than 10 males singing, and witnessed multiple intraspecific territorial disputes. Two males would posture at each other, flashing their shoulder patches, and one would ultimately chase the other off into the brush. The marshy areas near the entrance of the park were lush and fragmented; it seemed as though the males were each defending individual "patches" of territory. There was one male in particular that I watched defend the largest patch in the area, and there was a female foraging on the edge of that marsh. This indicates to me that he was one of the more dominant males in the area.
I also saw a Mute Swan sitting on her nest, and her mate displayed aggressive territoriality. He chased off any Canada Geese that landed in the pond they were nesting in, and I watched him posture and call at them - he would follow them around, arching his wings and would occasionally half-take off, standing up and beating his wings, splashing water as he extended his neck and let out loud, deep squawks.
I had the opportunity to see another really special breeding-season moment; because of a tip from some people out walking their dogs, I learned about a Great Horned Owl and and her two babies living in an eastern white pine stand nearby. This was the first time I've ever seen a wild owl up close and personal - the mother was infinitely patient, and there were at least 10 other people around staring at her, photographing her, and talking to one another. She mostly eyed their small dogs, which certainly benefited those of us who wanted a good look at her face!
The diverse habitats (from cattail marshes to pine stands) and breeding season drama made this a particularly exciting excursion!

Posted on April 23, 2017 09:02 PM by cafrigo