Slow Start to the New Year

Happy New Year! We had a slow start to the year today and only managed to catch three birds, all recaptures. We were glad to finally see large flocks of Robins soaring overhead but there was not a lot of other migrants to see. We captured all of our bird before 7:30 including a Gray Catbird and a Hermit Thrush.



Our last catch of the day was an adult Carolina Wren.



That left the rest of the morning to exploration as we continued to check the nets. Plants are beginning to get new growth. Even the Poison Ivy is making a fast start in the Winter.



Out by the lake, a pair of Limpkin were foraging in the shallow water.



We don't get a lot of color in the trees around here to the trees across the lake were doing their best.



Behind Net 18 a Little Blue Heron was up early feeding in the marsh.



Day Flowers are making a nice showing along the net lanes.



The Earth Smoke is also busting out near the river's edge.



Becki spotted a Bald Eagle flying over the lake.



She also photographed a Red-bellied Woodpecker up in the trees.



A small bird darted into a wood pile as we walked. After waiting a short time it emerged. It was one of our previously banded Carolina Wrens on the hunt.



Innocence is blooming in the shady areas of the nets. A nice burst of white in the dense ground cover.



The other bird of note was an Orange-crowned Warbler that flew in to a bit of pishing. This bird was banded by us in the past and continues to return to Lake Lotus every Winter.



Before dawn, as Andrew and Charles were setting nets, two American Alligators were seen lurking in the river. Once the sunlight got in the right position one of them came up to bask on the bank.



Maybe next week will be better. At least we got some fresh air and exercise.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, January 11th.
All nets will be opened by 6:50 A.M.