An Interesting Mix

Weather and birds were a mixed bag today. Weather-wise, it was forecast to either be a chance of rain or outright pouring in the morning but we ended up with fog for a while, no rain, and then a gorgeous morning. Bird-wise, things were very noisy and we never caught the same species twice. Our first bird of the day was an unexpected Ovenbird.



Ovenbirds are one of the earliest migrants through Florida but they are a bit more hit-or-miss in January. Charles got to release the bird which stayed on his hand for a minute before heading off into the scrub.



Next up, a Hermit Thrush we originally banded two months ago.



Greg and Becki lead the way as we check the nets in the increasing fog.



Across the river, the Wild Radish has begun to bloom.



An adult Gray Catbird added to the list for the day.



A Western Palm Warbler brightened our gray morning.



A female Myrtle Warbler made a welcome appearance. There were many down at the mouth of the river but most stayed at the tops of the willows..



Another recapture for the day was a Swamp Sparrow.



Our last bird for the morning was an Eastern Phoebe. We were just discussing how we don't hear as many all of the sudden and then this one shows up.



As we were closing up for the day, Christine discovered a Katydid hanging out in the Guinea Grass.



This very large Katydid didn't like to sit for too long so these were the best shots we could get.



Just before we closed up, the Sun came out. A Limpkin was feeding close by for most of the morning and provided excellent viewing.



Weather is to remain unseasonably warm for next week. Maybe we can catch a Waxwing. We can continue to dream.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, January 13th.
All nets will be opened by 6:50 A.M.