Session 5 Begins

We ventured out into the humid first Sunday in August to begin Session 5 at Lake Lotus. We still have some vegetation to deal with as the recent rains have really set of a growth spurt all along the river. Even the rangers say they are having a hard time keeping up on their side.

As the season progresses, bet we see a nice Fall, bird-wise.

As for today, most of our bird captures were locals. Totally expected. Almost every bird we captured was in heavy molt. Our most numerous bird species captured were the Carolina Wrens. Babies are all over the place and males are still singing. We captured a few babies and a proud parent.



Cardinals are fewer in evidence but we did get a female near the lake.



At the same time, we captured one of the huge numbers of Northern Parula that had a very good breeding season this year.



Another excellent bird near the lake found the nets. A Great-crested Flycatcher. It snapped away as we prepared it for release. Always a fun bird to view up close.



Besides wing molting, this birds is molting out tail feathers, as well.



Just as we thought we might not get a migrant for the day, we caught a good one. A female American Redstart! A Black and White Warbler was also observed across the river. Migration is under way.



No Waterthrushes yet. In the past, we have banded them around the 7-8th. Next week should find them back in the park. Can't wait!

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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, August 12th.
All nets will be opened by 6:25 A.M.