Catbirds On the Move North

We had an overcast day with rain promised by the late afternoon so we enjoyed every bird we could get. Radar was active but most of the birds we captured were Gray Catbirds. Twelve, in fact. All you need to see is one photo. They all look pretty much about the same.



There were a few other species captured along the way, including a male Northern Parula we first banded last August.



Two House Wrens were captured. One was a new bird and the other was a bird singing its full song in the grasses. It then flew into the nets and we confirmed it was banded back in November and was showing a lot of fat reserves. Must be ready to head out.



Becki and Lynn took some time to record the local butterflies during the day. They included Horace Duskywing...



...White Peacock...



...and a Common Checkered Skipper.



We were closing up nets when we found a bird fairly high in the net. Turns out it was our first baby Carolina Wren of the season.



It is easy to tell the youngsters by the yellow-ish gape showing at the base of the bill. There were more babies calling behind the nets so we released the banded bird in the same area and it quickly made a reunion with the whole family.



Just before we reached the gate on our way out we found a local hanging out in the pine straw.



A beautiful Black Racer was just watching and waited patiently as pictures were taken and we moved on.



Last bird of the day was a Great-crested Flycatcher out in the tram lot.



Next week is Earth Day at Lake Lotus so we will be doing banding demos inside the park as we have for the past 4 years. The event is free and is open from 10 AM to 3 PM. It is always a fun walk along the boardwalk! Park in the tram lot and enjoy the day.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, April 21st.
Earth Day is open to the public from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.