A preliminary investigation of the winter roosting habits of the birds of the Douglas Lake area.

Abstract

An investigation was made to determine the location and the microclimate characteristics of the roosting sites of the winter bird populations of the Douglas Lake area of northern lower Michigan. Observations were carried out over a period of eight days during the hours of sunrise and sunset. Bird movements were observed at three feeder locations and from a fire tower. Species observed were Cyanocitta cristata, Parus atricapillus, Sitta canadensis, Sitta carolinensis, and Dendrocopos pubescens. No roosting sites were found for Cyanocitta cristata. Observations of the other species led to no definite roosting sites. However, the general location of roosting areas was determined in some observations. It is believed that the species Parus sp. and Sitta sp. do not roost in holes but in well foliated branches of coniferous trees. Dendrocopos sp. is believed to roost in cavities of trees.