Picking up a bit

The weather is warming again and a fast moving front is approaching for later in the day. But it was a better day for us. In the first round at dawn we tied last week's capture total including the bird of the day right off the bat. Our first ever Chipping Sparrow! These little guys are not rare in the winter but they seem to prefer other areas, typically a bit more urban and at feeders.



We captured a few Hermit Thrushes today, including one recently banded a couple of months ago.



We caught three Gray Catbirds today. Oddly, they were all captured in Net 4 at different times. One of them was our white-chinned bird we first banded two years ago and it has been returning every year since.



We recaptured a striking male Northern Cardinal and managed to keep from getting a bite.



Across the fence at the 'neighbors', a Little-blue Heron was resting in the trees by the pond.



Out across from the pier, a Tricolored Heron was kind enough to pose in the morning light.



Then, suddenly, one of our Limpkins flew in to take the perch usually occupied by the cranky Anhinga.



Later, we recaptured a White-eyed Vireo first banded a couple of years ago.



Finally, a recaptured Carolina Wren rounded our the day.



One more week of banding before the holidays so we are looking to finish the year as strongly as possible.

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Before we go, our friends a the upcoming Birdapalooza Fest requested we post a message about the event where we will be presenting a banding demo for the 5th year.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Festival and Birdapalooza, January 21, 2017 On Saturday January 21, 2017 join Orange County and partners at the 5th annual FREE family-oriented Lake Apopka Wildlife Festival and Birdapalooza at Orange County’s Magnolia Park, 2929 S Binion Rd, Apopka, FL 32703. Enjoy guided bus tours (limited first-come seating), and guided walking and biking nature tours for children and adults on the Lake Apopka Loop Trail. For the entire family there are live animal demonstrations, bird banding, tree giveaways, music, airboat rides (for a fee), owl pellet dissections, entertainment by IBEX Puppetry, bounce houses, face painting, exhibitors, nature-oriented merchandise vendors and food trucks. Schedule is at http://www.birdapalooza.com and updates are on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/Birdapalooza/. In addition to this free festival, Orange Audubon Society offers birding and photo trips and keynote speakers on Friday and Sunday. See www.orangeaudubonfl.org/birdapalooza for details. If any questions, call 407-637-2525.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, December 18th.
All nets will be opened by 6:45 A.M.