Black Capped Chickadees' Survival during Winter

The Black Capped Chickadees are very interesting tiny birds.But as the winter is here I was wondering with little food available around how do they survive the long and cold winter nights.In general the greatest obstacle animals and birds face during the winter is staying warm. Like a little ball, small birds have a high surface area to volume ratio. As a result, they have a large surface area through which they can lose heat. In order to maintain their body temperatures, Chickadees must take in a large number of food calories which will be metabolized for body heat. So they must eat continuously during short daylight hours to stoke their metabolic fires. If they do not, they will not reserve enough energy to see them through the long night.
With an increased need for food comes a decrease in the types of food which are available. Chickadees have a diet that consists primarily of insects, fruit, and seeds. During the winter months, fruit and some insects become scarce. In order to assist with winter foraging, Chickadees (like all birds) have evolved a beak which is suited for the harshest conditions faced by the bird. Because Chickadees depend heavily on the seeds of coniferous trees during the winter, they have evolved beaks which are well adapted for cracking small nuts. There are two reasons why Chickadees are so reliant on coniferous tree seeds: 1) the seeds are high in fat and oil content and 2) the seeds are available year round.
In addition to increasing their food intake, Black-capped Chickadees have another trick for surviving the winter: they can lower their body temperatures by up to 14 degrees Fahrenheit at night to save energy. This drop in body temperature is a result of the birds' ability to decrease their metabolic rates. The fewer calories that are burned, the less energy that is created. Less energy means a lower body temperature. Black-capped Chickadees do not drop their body temperatures every night, though. This survival technique is usually saved for the most extreme cold weather fronts.With amazing adaptability instinct I hope to see the Chickadees around during winter.

Deserted Abode

"During spring birds build nests for the young ones..with the advent of winter they desert the nests on the bald branches of trees...But after the birds have gone to sunnier climes and the empty nests are the only mementos we have of them, then we may study these habitations carefully and learn how to appreciate properly the small architects which made them. I think that every one of us who carefully examines the way that a nest is made must have a feeling of respect for its clever little builder."

Chestnut Warbler at Milford Pt

Chestnut Warbler at Milford Pt, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

Snowy Egret at Milford Pt

Snowy Egret at Milford Pt, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

Monarch and beetle at Milford Pt

Monarch and beetle at Milford Pt, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

The Burdens of Beauty

The Burdens of Beauty, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

I found this Parrot at Milford and I was astonished as I never heard of Parrot being seen in wild by anyone from US in my knowledge. Fellow photographer from India told me about how these birds came here and I tried to find more on net....below is excerpt from what I read.

Even though we don't normally associate parrots with America, one species once ranged over much of the eastern United States in huge numbers: the Carolina parakeet. Tragically, the species was wiped out by humans; the last one died in an Ohio zoo in 1918.

Parrots are again flying wild in the United States, however, even if they are not native to the states they now inhabit. Several species, from budgies to Amazons, have become established in places like California, Florida, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York. These populations are made up of escaped pet birds, and there are differing opinions on whether this is a good or bad situation.But these birds are obviously as tough and adaptable as they are beautiful.

Parrots worldwide, however, are in trouble. The twin threats of habitat loss and human encroachment—added to the constant demand for these birds as pets—have caused the disappearance of some species and the real risk of extinction for many more.

The above picture is of a Monk Parakeet.

INTERESTING FACTS

* Also called Quaker Parrot, feral Monk Parakeets in the U.S. were first recorded in New York in 1967.
* Although it is an invasive species, there has been little data showing a negative impact on either native species or agriculture. It is, however, often considered a nuisance as groups are very noisy and messy in foraging.
* Its large, communal nests of sticks are easily identifiable and are often built on support poles of electrical lines.
* A group of parakeets is collectively known as a "chatter" and a "flock" of parakeets.

The Monk Parakeet has a large range, estimated globally at 2,800,000 square kilometers. Native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay, and present in various parts of Europe, Asia, and North America, this bird prefers subtropical or tropical forest and dry savanna ecosystems, though it has been known to live in many artificial environments such as rural and urban areas. The global population of this bird is has not been precisely determined, but despite heavy trading does not show signs of decline that would necessitate inclusion on the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the current evaluation status of the Monk Parakeet is Least Concern.

Singing Gull

Singing Gull, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

Taken at Milford Point CT US

Juvi Northern Cardinal - Female

Juvi Northern Cardinal - Female, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

Taken at Milford Point CT US

House Finch - Male

House Finch - Male, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

Taken at Milford Point CT US

House Finch - Female

House Finch - Female, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

Taken at Milford Point CT US

Night Heron

Night Heron, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

Taken at Milford Point CT US

American Oystercatcher

American Oystercatcher, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

Taken at Milford Point CT US

Mocking Bird in Twilight

Mocking Bird in Twilight, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

Taken at Tarywille Park...

Young Osprey

Young Osprey, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

I was tired of waiting and decided to leave...I left the place but again as I was passing by the same location I saw another young Osprey sitting there I went ahead took U turn and parked the car and by the time I reached it was gone... :-(

I just sat in car and looked up in the sky where this Osprey was flying...suddenly it dived in the direction of this branch and this time I was lucky and got two shots but it immediately noticed my presence even though I was hiding in the bushes and left for the nest....

Osprey watching me

IMG_3393, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

I hurried to take this shot and the result is Poor focus....But I knew that it has noticed me hiding in the bush and will not stay there...

Sea Gull In flight

IMG_3385, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

Dragon Fly..Another Macro.

Dragon Fly..Another Macro., originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

I was waiting near an abandoned Osprey nest where I saw two young ospreys resting. But by the time I reached the location after parking car the ospreys were back in the nest on far end of the marsh.

So I decided to wait there for some time and mean while I tried my hand at some more macro with Canon 100-400mm.

Young Rabbit

Young Rabbit, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

Plenty of Fog in the early morning left dews on grass and on the young rabbit...This shy young fella became curious to see me around.

I did not get many pictures during this visit but the visit was very refreshing...

Chipmunk

Chipmunk, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

This beautiful Chipmunk looked even more interesting with yellow flowers in background. Captured this early in the morning during my last visit to SMWR.

Northern Cardinal - Male

Northern Cardinal - Male, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

:-)

Broad-winged Hawk

Coopers Hawk, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

Overview

Broad-winged Hawk: Medium hawk, dark brown, mottled upperparts and brown-barred, white underparts. Pale underwings with black margins visible in flight. Tail is dark banded. Feeds on amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and birds, large insects. Flap-and-glide flight, soars on thermals and updrafts.

Range and Habitat

Broad-winged Hawk: Occurs north from Alberta east to Nova Scotia, south through North Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa to eastern Texas, through the Gulf coast to northern Florida; not found west of the Rockies. Preferred habitats include dense deciduous and mixed woodlands, often near openings created by roads, trails, or wetlands.

white breasted nuthatch

white breasted nuthatch, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

This tiny little bird is very interesting....starts at the bottom of the tree and goes all the way to the third of the height of the tree eating something on the tree trunk.

Broad-winged Hawk

Coopers Hawk?, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

You have to see it yourself to believe the width of the wing span of this huge hawk...I underestimated the wingspan and as a result lost the shot which could have been one of the best shots in my collection.

I never thought it's wing will be out of frame...

Broad-winged Hawk

Coopers Hawk?, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

It was a Saturday afternoon and it was raining for most of the morning and sun was still behind the clouds. The conditions were very gloomy. So after lunch at around 2:30 I decided to leave for a shoot as my previous experience was after rains the birds become very active.

So I left and took a road less traveled. I drove on the back side of the hilly area and took a most unexpected turn and as I was passing on the narrow road I saw this magnificent Hawk sitting on top of this dead branch in the open....

My dream finally came true....

without second thought I put the hazard lights on and grabbed my camera and fired this shot out of my car window (I didn't even relaxed by releasing the seat belt).....few passer by inquired if I am alright and even though they were courteous I wished they leave me alone.

How I wish there was little bit of sunlight on this gloomy afternoon. I took this pictures at very high ISO and wasn't sure about the outcome. But to my surprise the pictures were fine after some NR in PP.

It stayed there for very few minutes before it flew deep into the woods. It didn't even give the warning sign that it is going to fly away (Usually all birds look around restlessly before they make a move)... I even tried to take a look if I can go in to that side of the forest but it had fencing so no luck...

Mourning Dove silhouette

Mourning Dove silhouette, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

I love the way this beautiful bird carries it self. Not sure why it is called "Mourning" Dove...

Red-eyed Vireo

Unknown, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

I do not know the name of this one but it was also attracted by the Finch calls but left after a quick visit. The eyes of this bird are blood red and gives it interesting look.

Got the name and info of this bird...

It's a Red-eyed Vireo.


Overview

Red-eyed Vireo: Medium vireo with olive-brown upper parts and white underparts. Head has a gray cap, white eyebrow, black eye stripe, and red eyes. Blue-gray legs and feet. Alternates short glides with series of rapid wing beats. May hover briefly to pick berries or insects from foliage.

Range and Habitat
Breeds from British Columbia, Ontario, and Gulf of Saint Lawrence south to Oregon, Colorado, the Gulf Coast, and Florida. Spends winters in the tropics. Inhabits mature deciduous woodlands; also found in shade trees in residential areas.

INTERESTING FACTS

* Red-eyed Vireos were once considered one of the three most abundant bird of the forests of Eastern North America.
* The males are among the most persistent singers of all birds and have been recorded singing more than 10,000 songs a day in spring.
* Vireos living year-round in South America may be a separate species.
* A group of red-eyed vireos are collectively known as a "hangover" of vireos.

House Wren

House Wren, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

Another Pose!

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Finch, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

I was waiting near a tree which I knew bears some fruits so in came this Rose-breasted Grosbeak and started eating fruits when I clicked few images it got interested in the shoot and started making calls non-stop....I took few pictures and decided to end the shoot for the day as I was out for almost 4 hours that evening.
I moved away from that tree and this Finch immediately followed me and the calls became more louder so I was looking at it to understand it's behaviour...but then came a baltimore oriole to the tree...So i took few pictures of it...the finch continued the loud calls and trust me it attracted almost all the species of the Tarrywile Park to that one tree and it literally made them dance at it's tune... It made my day.

Warbler

Warbler, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

Another picture of warbler... The conditions were overcast after rain and this was in the shadow of tree so not a very detailed picture but I liked it...

Warbler

Warbler, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

I saw this tiny warbler for the first time in Tarrywile park and took few pictures it is a very shy and restless as any other warbler.

Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

This was one bird that I saw many times but never got an opportunity to capture it as it used to sit on the top of trees.

This time to my surprise this was eating worms on ground along side few juvi female cardinals....I took this shot and tried to go little closer but before that it flew away.

Telephoto Macro

Macro, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

I knew that 100-400 has a very nice MFD but never tried it.

Last weekend I saw this bee and tried my hand at telephoto macro and I am amazed with the result.

Salt Meadow Unit

Salt Meadow Unit, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

Salt Meadow Unit The approximately 2 miles of trails at Salt Meadow Unit in Westbrook wind through grassland, forest, and marsh habitats. The 9 acres of fields provide a view of woodcock, bluebirds, tree swallows, wild turkeys and numerous species of butterflies and dragonflies. While down at the marsh you can expect to see great egrets, glossy ibis, snowy egrets, belted kingfishers, osprey and many other species. If you are lucky, you just might catch a glimpse of a red fox, a coyote, or a red tailed hawk. In partnership with Potopaug Audubon Society, the refuge hosts many wildlife events at Salt Meadow Unit throughout the year. These events have included owl walks, waterfowl walks, woodcock walks, bird banding demonstrations, and a presentation on live birds of prey.

In Flight Snowy Egret

In Flight Common Egret1, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

My first BIF. I am happy with the outcome but I need more practice.

The snowy egret gets its name from its all-white plumage, although the species’ black legs and yellow feet also distinguish it. Upon reaching maturity, adult birds develop long, fine plumes of feathers along the chest, back and neck.

This one is Snowy Egret this is distinguished from that of Common or Great white Egret with the help of following features:
# Snowy Egret is smaller, has black bill, and yellow feet.
# Great White Heron, the white form of the Great Blue Heron, has a heavier bill, and pale, not black, legs.

Ospray

Ospray, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

I love this bird. I saw it fishing in the waters of salt marsh and even managed to capture an image with a snake catch but it's not worth posting. I have located nest of this bird and it has 3 young ones. Before these young ones fly away I will go there to capture few shots from the distance. I do not intend to disturb the parents by going closer to the nest.

Plastic Beauty

Plastic Beauty, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

While returning from Wildlife refuge I found this Mourning Dove and few Fly Catchers around the bird feeders at the entrance.

Blue Jay

Blue Jay, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

The young blue Jays are all around in the field and can be spotted easily in the open.

Moking Bird

Moking Bird, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

This was taken sometime back but was lost in the heap of pictures on my hard drive.

Preening Practice

Preening Practice, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

This Kid was surely learning fast!
It was practicing almost everything it learned and with the amount of different activities it made in an hour or so I can say this one is going to be one of the most active Swallows in the field.

Yellow Warbler

Yellow Warbler, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

Finally I succeeded in getting reasonably sharp and in focus image of this hyperactive bird. This was the most active evenings I have witnessed to date at
Tarrywile Park.

Eastern Blue Bird

Eastern Blue Bird, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

The Eastern Bluebird, a member of the Thrush family and one of three species of bluebirds that occur in North America, is a cavity nester that lives in open country. They occur in the eastern half of North America as far west as the Rocky Mountains, and as far south as Nicaragua. Populations have suffered since these birds must compete with House Sparrows, Starlings, woodpeckers and other cavity nesters. Placement of nest boxes for Bluebirds has resulted in population increases in many regions. These birds are an important predator on destructive insects such as grasshoppers, caterpillars, crickets, Katydids, and beetles. Their diet also consists of various berries, spiders, sow bugs, earthworms and snails.

Bluebirds are popular with bird watchers. The male is deep blue above, with a chestnut throat, breast and flanks. Many people place specially designed nest boxes in suitable habitat to provide nesting opportunities for Bluebirds.

Black Capped Chickadee

Black Capped Chickadee, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

I saw one of these cute birds at the very beginning of my shoot so I decided to keep focused on only one bird today as I left for the shoot very late in the evening.

I got some more pictures and will post them soon.

Information:
A bird almost universally considered “cute” thanks to its oversized round head, tiny body, and curiosity about everything, including humans. The chickadee’s black cap and bib; white cheeks; gray back, wings, and tail; and whitish underside with buffy sides are distinctive. Its habit of investigating people and everything else in its home territory, and quickness to discover bird feeders, make it one of the first birds most people learn.

Chickadees are active, acrobatic, curious, social birds that live in flocks, often associating with woodpeckers, nuthatches, warblers, vireos, and other small woodland species. They feed on insects and seeds, but seldom perch within several feet of one another while taking food or eating. Flocks have many calls with specific meanings, and they may contain some of the characteristics of human language.

American Goldfinch

American Goldfinch, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

On my way home I found one Goldfinch sitting low in the grass but sun was on opposite side an I wanted to capture the light in its eye so I tried to adjust my position but these tiny birds are restless and move around very quickly so I lost it without a single shot.

When I was about to exit the park I went to visit the old berry tree and found another finch in low grass and this time I did not try to adjust my position instead captured few pictures first. Again when I was about to get the pictures from the angle I wanted this flew away.

Hope you enjoyed watching this.

I will soon be out shooting to capture Cardinal and Blue Jay..

Reflection

Reflection, originally uploaded by Sachin N Saraf.

This duck flew in just for 5 min in the pond and luckily I was on my way home and captured few shots and liked this one most for the clear reflection in the water.

Sparrow

I will get the exact Id of this sparrow soon.

I loved this bird.

Gray Cat bird

I will appreciate if someone can help me with the name of this one.

I am sure I will not be able to find its ID :-)

CWW

I have been following these CWW couple for a while now but they always prefer sitting on top of the trees.

Today morning for a change this one decided to take a dive and offered me to take few shots.

Good Morning!

I left for Terrywile Park early in the morning today. I went to a side I have never went before and tried my luck at one of the smaller berry tree out there. There were only Robins around the berry tree and were not coming out of the shadow of the tree leaves.

Suddenly this Squirrel came out with the fruit and was enjoying the beautiful morning sunlight.

I learned a lesson that to get the great images of wildlife it is very important to go out very early in the morning.

Camouflage

Some animals hide in plain sight in order to survive in the wild! You might be thinking, how does this work!? When you play hide-n-seek can you just sit in the middle of the room? No, you will be found immediately. The difference between humans and some animals who hide in the open is that these animals have colors and patterns that allow them to disappear, almost becoming invisible before your very eyes.

Cryptic coloration is the most common form of camouflage, found to some extent in the majority of species. The simplest way is for an animal to be of a color similar to its surroundings.

I was trying to get some macro shots of flower around the mud standing right next to this frog but never saw it until lens mistakenly focused on this amphibion.
I was thrilled to see the natures beauty.

Field Sparrow

This was the last picture of my today's visit (18-Jun-2010). The sun was setting and I saw this house sparrow bathing in the warm twilight of setting sun.
I took four pictures before I get the correct exposure. I wanted to get the exposure exactly the same as I was getting through Worlds best lens (My Eyes) Finally I succeeded and liked the outcome very much. It looks beautiful with the orange light reflecting from its wings. I am happy I could retain the details and been able to produce and share the picture exactly as I saw it.

I returned home with satisfaction and was charged enough to upload and share the images.

Identification:
Entirely pink bill is distinctive. Gray face with reddish crown, distinct white eye ring, and indistinct reddish eye line. Back is streaked except on gray-brown rump. Rich buffy-orange unstreaked breast and sides; grayish white belly; pink legs. Juvenile: streaked below; buffy wing bars.
The American tree is most similar but has a 2-toned bill and a black central breast spot. The breeding-plumaged chipping  shares the rufous cap but has a dark eye line, is plain gray below without buff on the breast or flanks, has a dark bill, and lacks the bold eye ring.