Bird Walk Redstone and Prospect St. (2/21/2021)

Neighborhoods. Several Yellow Birch, Flowering Crabapple, Red Pine, Norway Spruce
______
The bird walk began at the Davis Center, then to Redstone by walking by University Heights, concluding with a brief walk through the neighborhood on Prospect by Redstone.
I spent some time observing the behavior of both House Sparrows and Herring Gulls. Herring Gulls flap several times and then glide before flapping again. House Sparrows on the other hand flap several times and then allow themselves to drop forward and down a little bit before flapping again. The Herring Gull has a flap-and-glide flight pattern while the House Sparrow has an undulating flight pattern. These differences arise primarily due to their differing wing structure. The Herring Gull has high-aspect ratio wings that allow for high speed flying and gliding by generating high levels of lift. The house sparrow has elliptical wings that allow for high maneuverability and quick take off and landing. Both flight patters are fairly distinct and make it easier for each of them to be identified.
These differences make sense with their identities. Herring Gulls depend on their wings ability for lift to take off from water and maintain flight with the wind above the ocean. House Sparrows utilize their elliptical wings in order to flit from branch to branch and avoid predators.
I would describe the quantity of the birds that saw today to be an average amount for the time of day and location. In order, to see more I would likely wake up earlier - closer to sunrise - and choose a location that has less human activity (i.e. Centennial Woods).
Note: My field journal sketch is included as a photo on my observation of the American Robin.