Thanks, Karl!

They're baaaaaack!

Hopes were up after watching the radar which showed Hurricane Karl making landfall to the West and spinning the birds our way. Texas routes were blocked and winds were perfect for directing the migration to our clear skies. Would it be enough? Well, our 5th bird of the morning gave us hope.



Yep. Common Yellowthroats (COYE) are back! This adult female was caught near the pier at dawn. Several others flew around the nets but they were there and more were yet to come. Also caught right at dawn were 4 other birds. The first was a Carolina Wren. This was recapture we first banded earlier in the year as a hatch year. Its feathers are getting nice and bright and almost into the adult mode. Note the emerging secondaries which will bring in the adult style spots.



In the net right next to the Wren was holding a new Brown Thrasher.



Farther down the lane, moments later, we found an Ovenbird in Net 12.



Looking good. On to the rest of the nets. In Net 13: a recaptured Cardinal was squawking like crazy. The early morning light really brings out the red in our big male.



Next, another COYE. This time a juvenile male.



Then another...



Andrew checks for fat. All but one COYE had fat on its breast.



Then a surprise. Our first Veery finally arrived. 2 weeks late.



Again, we check for any fat deposits.



But back to COYEs! Fully half our our captured birds today were young male or adult female Common Yellow throat. The flood gates are opening!



However, as fast as the morning began a few birds were remaining at their roosts. Having the Yellowthroats made the morning a success.



One more for the day. Another young male.



Our last interesting find of the morning as we folded up nets. Maria found a leaf with odd discs stuck to it.



Thanks, again, to Randy and Mary who were excited to see this shot as the had never seen a leaf covered on both edges with these Katydid eggs. Looking closer you can see tiny holes which indicate thatsome young bugs have already emerged. Very interesting indeed.


This weekend may prove more difficult. A front is moving toward us and could dampen the upward trend. Catbirds should be about here, though.
______________________________________
Next Banding Day: Sunday, September 19th.

All nets will be opened by 6:45 A.M.