I have chosen to do my field research project in my backyard in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Here are more details regarding my site and observations:
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Size: Approximately 39’ x 52’.
Topography: Flat.
There is no designation, as my research area is my private backyard.
I visited the site from 9:35 am to 10:05 am, a duration of 30 minutes on 30-09-2022, early autumn. The starting temperature was 8 degrees Celsius. There was very little air movement, only small leaves and twigs moving. The cloud coverage was approximately 25-50% coverage while otherwise sunny and clear.
The vegetation in my backyard is a mix of trees, shrubs, some ornamental grasses and flowers, and some garden beds with vegetables. The area of study consists mainly of grass. There are 2 flower beds with a mix of flowers and grasses, some pots with ornamental grasses and other leafy vegetation. There is another garden bed with tomatoes, rhubarb, and zucchini. On one side of the yard there is a larger Mountain Ash tree full of berries. Opposite to the Mountain Ash is a purple Lilac tree within one of the flower gardens. Behind the Lilac tree is a Maple tree overhanging from the neighboring backyard. Next to the Lilac tree is the pond. The pond is surrounded by large rocks, with rocks built up behind for a waterfall feature. There is no vegetation in the pond. Behind the pond is a fence. Behind the fence is a large pine tree that overhangs into the backyard. Next to the Lilac tree and flower bed is a small 8’x10’ shed.
Some species I observed were:
- Red Squirrel
- Yellow rumped Warbler
- Black-capped Chickadee
- House Sparrow
- Dark-eyed Junco
- American Crow
- American Robin
- Red-breasted Nuthatch
- Blue Jay
- Common Yellowthroat
- Common Grackle
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet
- Downy Woodpecker
- White-crowned Sparrow
- American Tree Sparrow
Potential Interesting Questions:
- What kind of pair behaviour occurs in passerine species at this time of year?
- Do passerine species communicate with other species?
- Why do birds flutter from tree to tree, or branch to branch only staying a few minutes in one spot?
Below are images from my field journal and the area:
