Another Windy Day

We had good spirits going into the weekend. Weather should have been pleasant and sunny. Instead, we arrived to discover clouds and ever-increasing winds through the morning. This gave us a day of nearly wide-open nets so we would have to get what we could in more difficult conditions.

We did get a Northern Cardinal before dawn. He was a recaptured bird from our banding site. In fact, most birds caught today were recaptures which happened last year at this time. Mid-November sees the main migration behind us and then a brief wait for the remaining birds to trickle down to Florida by mid-December.

Two more recaptured followed. We caught a male Common-yellowthroat we first banded in September and a Swamp Sparrow we also banded earlier in the year.



It is always a treat to capture a Tufted Titmouse. Some times we can capture several at a time as they travel as a family group. Just one new Titmouse today but a beauty.



A bit later our volunteers brought back wohat would be the last birds of the day. First up, a recaptured White-eyed Vireo.



The biggest surprise of the morning was a new male American Redstart. We have not noticed Redstarts around for a while and those were mainly females so the black, orange, and white (so soon after Halloween!) certainly brightened our day. Just as the Sun was breaking through, too.



Here's hoping we get a return of nice weather next week.

We do aim for the highest safety standards for our birds but, I am afraid some birds may meet their demise before we return next Sunday.



Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, November 25th.
All nets will be opened by 6:30 A.M.