Few Birds. More Bugs and Plants.

We spent another typical early August sweating and exploring the area and capturing a few locals like Carolina Wrens.



Linda, a friend of the 'family', joined us today and was allowed to release the Wren after it was banded.



An Arrowhead Spider set up house next to the banding tables since we were away and we did our best to avoid disturbing its web for as long as possible as it gathered damselflies and other bugs for snacks.



Lynn found an interesting bug later in the morning. The closest ID we can come close to is a Milkweed Assassin Bug. No photo matches exactly but it is close. Any thoughts?



It has been mentioned before that we have set up native plants near most of the nets. One of the experiments was native Coffee around Net 12. Unfortunately, they declined quickly. However, one returned a couple weeks ago and is now blooming. We will leave it with the Viburnum which replaced the other plants.



One of the biggest winged creatures caught today was a Royal River Cruiser. Beautiful!



Under the banding table, we found a bug lurking. Turns out to be a Long-horned Beetle which wanted to hang around. We actually had to send it on its way since it did not want to leave.



While exploring options for Net 21 improvements, a recently fledged Northern Cardinal flew past us and into the net.



Zebra Longwings are in good numbers this year.



Sensitive Briar is in full bloom up and down the trails. Late Summer fireworks.



Lynn found a Bagworm Moth near the table. These can be found all over the area most of the year and it is amazing to see their log cabin-like constructions.



Less seen is what Lynn captured a bit later. The Bagworm Moth (only the females form these structures, BTW) emerged to feed as she was watching and taking close-up photos.



One of the more interesting finds today was this shoe. This area was used as a dumping ground over the decades and we find all kinds of interesting trash from time to time. Never saw a tree growing through a shoe before!



Fronts are sliding across the country and in the Gulf. Will it bring us some migrants or keep them at bay? Sunday will tell. Mid-August is when we usually start seeing and catching Ovenbirds.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, August 18th.
All nets will be opened by 6:30 A.M.