The Tide Subsides

Looks like we have crested the peak of Fall migration as a a cold front pushed through the area yesterday and opened the door for any bird that felt like it to move South at a rapid pace. Buntings, which have been all over the place for the past few weeks, were noticeably absent. We only could verify two individuals, one of which was a female with one of our bands on it. The mosquitos, however, were out in force after all of our recent rains.

Still, it is always fun to be out and get the week's data. Slower mornings always go quicker when we have visitors. Today we had several ladies out to watch the banding procedures and everyone seemed to have a great time.



This week, instead of a bunch of Buntings, we had a raft of Wrens. House Wrens, that is.



Catbird numbers are on the rise and we captured one more local Northern Cardinal. The males seem to glow even in the early morning dark.



While the front carried out most of the October migrants, we did have an increase in Ruby-crowned Kinglet sightings and it also brought in a species we should have been catching by now. We are finally capturing Swainson's Thrushes!



All willing visitors got to release a bird this morning. Julie got the pleasure of releasing one of the thrushes.



One more look at one of the many Wrens.



We should be seeing Hermit Thrushes soon and hope to begin banding the Kinglets.

Next Sunday is the end of Daylight Savings Time so remember to 'Fall back'!
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, November 6th.

All nets will be opened by 6:10 A.M.