Month: October 2020

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Bird’s Eye View of Salmon Hole Park- Notable wildlife sightings, human-wildlife interactions, pollution outlets, and trail map

Having only been two weeks since my last visit to the site, Salmon Hole Park has not changed drastically since then. The hardwood trees, notably the maples and birch, have lost almost all of their leaves, but the oaks, which are usually late to turn, are beginning the process of leaf dropping. No Canada Geese were noticed upon a second visitation to the site, but mallard’s were still presence (albeit fewer of them) and common backyard birds were still active in the area (this is to no surprise since they are year-long birds inhabiting the area). Of these birds are notably the chickadee, goldfinch, pileated woodpecker, American Robin, blue jay, common sparrow, tufted titmouse, and creepers. A hawks nest was sited in the area, with the Hawk present upon second visitation to the site. There is active ornithological evidence of in-habitation of the site by wildlife, as well as evidence towards possible beaver life due to signs on trees near the waterfront.

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Salmon Hole Park- Preliminary Viewing and Reflections

Welcome to Salmon Hole Park, a gorgeous natural site along the Winooski River! This lush ecosystem provides habitat and resources for several plant and animal species and is located just northeast of Trinity Campus. Being just a 20-minute walk away from campus, this phenology site drew my attention because of its unique setting and fascinating wildlife, especially the ornithological aspect.

While the site is largely dominated by deciduous tree species, there are the occasional conifers as well. Of the deciduous varieties, Cottonwoods and Northern Red Oaks are the most populous species present. Since the site is close to the road, stormwater runoff and erosion clearly affect the vegetation growth. Knowing this, it is logical that the area is well-drained, and the soil is likely high in pH and moist, resulting in the higher density of deciduous species that thrive in such conditions. The density of specific species in a certain region, however, varies along the riverside of the site. For example, at one location, cottonwoods and oaks are dominant, whereas, further down the riverbed, staghorn sumacs become more dominant. These little ecological niches could be random, or something else may be responsible for this phenomenon.

The following list is comprised of the common woody plants seen at Salmon Hole Park-

Cottonwood

White/Northern Red Oak

Paper Birch

Yellow Birch

Eastern White Pine

Red Maple

Sugar Maple

Norway Maple

Box Elder

Stag-horn Sumac

Green Ash

Glossy Buckthorn (invasive)

Honeysuckle (invasive)

Barberry (invasive)

Some of the Fascinating Wildlife seen on site

Salmon Hole Park is home to some of the most interesting animals in the Northeast, including birds, fish, and mammals. Here are some pictures (taken from the internet) of animals I saw on my first trip to the natural area.

Great Blue Heron

The great blue heron is a large wading bird, common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North America and Central America, as well as the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands. 

    Female Mallard

    The mallard is a dabbling duck that breeds throughout the temperate and subtropical Americas, Eurosiberia, and North Africa

      Canada Goose

      The Canada goose is a large wild goose species with a black head and neck, white cheeks, white under its chin, and a brown body. It is native to arctic and temperate regions of North America, and its migration occasionally reaches northern Europe.

        Chickadee

        The chickadees are a group of North American birds in the tit family included in the genus Poecile. Species found in North America are referred to as chickadees

          Downy Woodpecker

          The smallest woodpecker in North America, common and widespread, although it avoids the arid southwest. Its small size makes it versatile, and it may forage on weed stalks as well as in large trees. In winter it often joins roving mixed flocks of chickadees, nuthatches, and other birds in the woods.

            Goldfinch

            The American goldfinch is a small North American bird in the finch family. It is migratory, ranging from mid-Alberta to North Carolina during the breeding season, and from just south of the Canada–United States border to Mexico during the winter.