Sunday, January 7, 2018

Chilly, Breezy New Year Start

It has been a long stretch of yucky weather since before the holidays. Despite the temperatures dipping into the high 30s this morning it was at least nice and clear. The wind did pick up as the morning wore on but wasn't too bad.

Moon

A strange fact about the cold is that we tend to catch more Ruby-crowned Kinglets as they flit around to find more food. Half the birds we captured today were that species.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

We don't often see Ospreys resting over the river as they prefer to be out in the open and next to the lake. This Osprey was preening and watching the rising Sun across from Net 14.

Osprey

Below in the the river, one of our resident Limpkin was looking for breakfast.

Limpkin

Blue-gray Gnatcatchers teased us throughout the day by chasing insects all around the nets but deftly maneuvered out of range.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Just when it was noticed that we hadn't heard any Gray Catbirds yet, one was brought to the banding table.

Gray Catbird

As the wind was picking up we managed to capture a Western Palm Warbler.

Western Palm Warbler

Loud cries alerted us to anther Osprey up in the pines with a fish snack.

Osprey

There is almost always a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker around during the Winter month but this one didn't show itself until the Titmouse family began to squawk along the riverside.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

The one species we really wanted to start catching today waited until the end of our stay. A Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle subspecies) got his band before we rolled up the nets.

Myrtle Warbler

It would have been nice to have a little more warmth but it wasn't too bad. However, another low is suppose to swing in next week and leave it chilly again next Sunday. Could be a repeat of today.
NOTE: We will not be banding January 14th. Forecast is for temperatures in the low 30s with higher winds making it more dangerous for birds if lingering in nets.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, January 21st.
All nets will be opened by 6:45 A.M.

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