Visitation Length and Frequency at a Bird Feeder in Two Different Habitats

Abstract

Bird behavior at feeders has been documented in many studies but feeder visit length and frequency have not been studied across multiple habitat types. Using GoPro camera footage taken over the course of six randomly selected days in November, I looked at how the length and number of visits differed between species in an open habitat and an edge habitat in the same general area. Reviewing the footage has shown the average visitation length at the edge habitat feeder was greater than the open habitat feeder. The frequency of visits was also greater in edge habitat since it had more visits from each species, the exception was the mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) which appeared more often at the open habitat feeder. House finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) were the most common visiting species followed by mourning doves. White-throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) were also common visitors but mostly appeared at the edge habitat feeder. This study demonstrates how average feeder visit length and frequency can change between areas relatively close to each other.