Typical February. Except the Heat.

Feels like the heat is already on. Projected high is in the low 80. In mid-February... The morning, however, was a bit chilly but pleasant. Except for the fact that the rangers changed the combination lock without letting us know. Time to wake up the lead ranger at 5:30 AM.

Once we were in and set up a bit late we started our morning with a Hermit Thrush.



Gray Catbirds are still active and the first one we got was one we first banded just last week.



Colleen is now more empowered at extracting birds and even took on a Northern Cardinal today. It was a new female.



The puffy fungus we discovered last week is now spreading out and getting lighter. It even looks like something has been munching on the lower portions.



Out near the lake, the rising sunlight set the grasses and flower aglow.



American Goldfinches out in the willows nibbling flower buds.



Back near the table we recaptured a House Wren first banded a few years ago.



Last week we were capturing female Ruby-crowned Kinglets and today we got a nice adult male.



Overall, a very nice and typical February morning. Birds are beginning to start their turn back North and capture rates should increase as we head towards Spring.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, February 19th.
All nets will be opened by 6:30 A.M.