Migration is picking up in both directions on this typical Spring morning. Some birds will be heading North soon like our first bird of the day, a House Wren
Our locals like this Carolina Wren are settling in to nest and raise the next generation by the river.
More North-bound birds soon followed like Gray Catbirds. Why they even leave Florida is beyond me. They breed as far South as Georgia.
We recaptured a familiar Gray Catbird today. Mr. White Chin! This is the third time we have captured it.
Our first surprise of the day was a beautiful adult Northern Parula. Fledglings are just now being heard in the trees.
Second surprise was not too far behind. A Louisiana Waterthrush headed home somewhere to the North and West.
Down the lanes the Thistle is beginning to bloom in earnest.
Dragonflies are coming out in larger numbers, too.
Out over the lake, the resident Osprey searches for breakfast near the fishing pier.
Since we moved Net 21, Richard decided to plant a couple of Wax Myrtles along the river before you reach the lake. Hope they hold on through the rainy season.
Down in the river, the Alligator Gar are staging at the bend to pick off unsuspecting prey.They have also been seen into the marsh after a heavy rain. This one was about 3 feet long.
Our next surprise of the day was found closer to the banding table. We caught an adult Sharp-shinned Hawk! The eyes really give it away. Adults have red eyes, juveniles are golden.
Such an exciting catch! Sharp-shinned Hawks are another Winter visitor and should be gone soon.
Even more interesting, what is this bug crawling on Andrew's arm? Pretty.
Almost as pretty as the male Northern Cardinal we captured as the morning was winding down.
Across from Net 11 we found a new moth for us. Becky did some sleuthing and discovered it was an Eight-spotted Forester, (Alypia octomaculata).
We missed whatever ate all of the last crop of holly berries but the trees are blooming once again already.
We captured one more bird as we were closing nets. An adult male Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. They have been teasing us for most of the Winter/Spring. Nice mono-brow!
An excellent mix today and Spring migration is just kicking in.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, April 10th.
All nets will be opened by 6:30 A.M.
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