I have been observing the winter ecology throughout Burlington. The most prevalent things I have taken note of include the bird species. I was surprised to see a bunch of ducks swimming by the icy shore in Lake Champlain because it was only nineteen degrees out when I took this photo. I had assumed all ducks needed to migrate to survive the cold. But now I have learned that some ducks stay and remain active in the winters. After some research I think that these ducks are Goldeneyes. I also got to see a Barred Owl during my lab in Jericho Forest this week.
I have also noticed the shores of the lake are very icy and that the leaves of all non-coniferous tree species have disappeared, except for the American Beech tree which I have learned tends to have lingering leaves the longest. It is difficult to identify trees in the winter without their leaves so this is a skill I have been practicing a lot and am hoping to improve at.
