It was a strange kind of morning. A bit of a front was moving through and we though that might be good for more arriving birds. Winds were occasional but not too strong. Most of the morning, however, was completely devoid of bird or insect sound.
Even stranger was that we started our morning with the capture of a Tufted Titmouse! These birds typically stay higher in the tree canopy and easily avoid the nets most of the time.
Common Yellowthroats are either moved on or are starting to settle around the lake but we still captured a new one this morning.
During one of the most quiet moments we were surprised to spot a Brown Thrasher in Net 19. This one was a juvenile and our 6th Thrasher this Session so far.
Folks kept mentioning a flower down the lane so we investigated and found it to be a Purple Aster newly sprung up from the soil.
The marsh is aflame with Bur Marigold, (Bidens laevis).
A trip to the lake was in order to see what might be out there. A few Swamp Sparrows could be heard but they remained hidden unlike our local Anhingas.
Flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds, mostly females, are rising and dropping above and into the vegetation.
Carolina Wrens are sharing the invasive Primrose Willow and chasing one another around the branches. We have been wondering where all of the locals are and seeing a band on this bird means that they are more interested in the lake than the woods for now.
Cattails are looking rather frayed by now.
As we closed up for the day we had one more surprise. A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in Net 8. This bird had zero intention of smiling for the camera.
On the way home Andrew found a pair of American Crows wandering the parking lot a couple miles from the banding site.
Better still, the first of the Hooded Mergansers are back in the retention pond that they use as their Winter home. Duck season is officially upon us.
We will be watching the weather very closely. A couple of fronts should swing through and maybe ruin next Sunday. If you intend to join us at all check back here by Saturday to see if we are still banding.
NOTE: No banding Sunday due to rain forecasts. We will be banding Monday, November 23rd instead.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Monday, November 23rd.
All nets will be opened by 6:25 A.M.
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