Swamp Sparrows Return with a Chill

Finally, a chilly start to the morning as the second cold front reached us forcing a reach for the light sweaters. Hey, the high 50s in Florida is what we call 'getting cold'! Surprisingly, this cooler weather seemed to stir up the locals and one of our most numerous captures were Northern Cardinals.



Runner-up for biggest captures were House Wrens.



All age ranges were caught today. Notice in the picture above that there is a line of white spots on the wings. House Wrens are born with those spots and loose them as they get older. This adult shows no spots.



Bill and his son William came back into the fold today and William got to remember how to release a newly banded Wren.



Though very vocal of late our Carolina Wrens have not been flying about too much. We captured only one today.



Lynn spotted a fly resting on a blade of grass as the Sun crested the tree line and tried to dry up the dew.



Luckily, the fly doesn't have to watch out for the Eastern Pondhawk too much. They love mosquitoes a little more. But if it had the chance...



Bird-of-the-Day belongs to the Swamp Sparrows. They made it back right on time and really brightened the morning.



We managed to band two new Swamp Sparrows today and many more were heard out near the lake.



Swamp Sparrow are usually dificult to see as they prefer to scurry about in the underbrush. Once in hand you can really inspect all the rich colors in their feathers. Those tail feather sure are worn!



Other migrants were around but they remained high in the trees all morning. We should start catching Wintering warblers soon, perhaps next weekend.

NOTE: Daylight Savings Time "Falls Back" one hour Sunday!! As always, those setting nets should arrive one hour before the posted time below.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, November 3rd.
All nets will be opened by 6:10 A.M.