Sunday, November 13, 2011

Sparrow Time!

Still pretty quiet out here but we figured it was about time for the sparrows to arrive. First bird captured was the Bird-of-the-Day. A Swamp Sparrow.

Swamp Sparrow

All of our banded sparrows are caught down near the pier. Once the sparrows return they are often heard down in the marshy part of the lake so it is always nice to get some in the nets.

Swamp Sparrow

Most of the birds stayed way up in the treetops again but we did get another female Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

We snagged another Catbird. Same bird twice, in fact.

Gray Catbird

While waiting for birds to start moving, Andrew watches the marsh for activity.

Drew

Out on the sandbar in the lake, Common Gallinules (just changed back from Moorhen) were about the only thing out on the water.

Common Gallinule

Back at the table, Andrew and Charles process another bird.

Drew and Charles

A surprise guest joined us just below the banding table. A raccoon was trying to find a way back to the woods but wasn't too afraid to wait out a photo shoot.

Raccoon

We added a House Wren to the list for the morning but we were even happier to see a Zebra-wing Butterfly. Their numbers have fluctuated a lot over the past few years. In fact, they have become hard to find lately.

Zebra-wing Butterfly

Another often overlooked flyer is actually rather pretty. Especially in this shot. A Long-tailed Skipper.

Long-tailed Skipper

Warmer weather is back but should moderate by next weekend.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, November 20th.

All nets will be opened by 6:20 A.M.

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