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Nice to be back on 'our' side this week. We doubled our catches in 3 hours compared to 8 at Earth Day in the park proper but still not a lot migration going on. There have been several good nights for birds to move on as the front stalled and allowed birds to head to their breeding grounds. Good for them. More quiet for us. Could be the last hurrah for Spring.

We finally caught a couple birds down at Net 18. Andrew heard Blue Jays calling loudly and investigated, finding them by the net. He soon noticed two birds in the net and something else close by. One of the Barred Owls was flying in to take an assessment of the situation. He chased it off and brought back a Gray Catbird and Cardinal.

The Catbird was not even thankful to be saved from the owl! It tried to take a chunk out of Andrew's hand after being banded. So they are still around for a little longer.



A bit later, we recaptured the female Northern Parula we banded during Earth Day. She showed a very visible brood patch.



Love having these little jewels around during this time of year.



A recaptured Northern Cardinal made an appearance.



As did one of our Wintering House Wrens.



Can't be here too much longer.



Maggie found more frogs near the end of the net lanes. It appears that there is a Green Treefrog and an invasive Cuban Treefrog hanging out together.



While on a net run we found some activity up in the dead snags across from Net 11. Downy Woodpeckers appear to have established a nest cavity across the river. Here, the male takes his turn after feeding the apparent chicks and waits for his mate to take over.



Soon, she returned with what appeared to be some soft seed.



Then she took her guard spot and waited to forage again.



One sad note for the day. Richard was checking nest boxes and found that one of our boxes actually was being occupied by Wood Ducks! However, the nest was compromised, probably by a Mink and the birds did not survive.

In other spots along the river, Maggie found a Wood Duck family swimming along the river.



As we packed up for the morning, another pair of Wood Ducks flew up into the oaks right across from the compromised box. Perhaps wanting to use it themselves?



A bit farther up the river we found yet another pair of Wood Ducks so they are definitely in breeding mode. Good luck to all of them.

Hoping for a little cool down after a projected front at the end of the week. It is already feeling like Summer!
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, May 1st.

All nets will be opened by 6:15 A.M.