Back to Basics

Seems like Winter is gone. Usually we have our coldest day in February but it appears that is not going to happen this year. Today's high is in the 80s. Brrrr.

Early birds of the morning were a couple of juvenile Hermit Thrushes. Both were banded last Fall.



Northern Parulas returned just over a week ago and are singing up a storm. We captured one. This adult male was banded here last April and is back to raise the next brood..



Gray Catbird are beginning to grow restless as the weather warms and we are starting to catch them again.



The Barred Owl pair met up early as Andrew and Jenny set nets before dawn. Once the Sun rose they began to survey the area, including our net lanes. Some of the volunteers posted up in the center of the lanes to keep an eye on them.



Eventually, they settled into resting spots and took their naps.



Sure signs of approaching Spring. Spider Worts are popping up in their main spots. Earth Smoke is spreading all along the river, too.



Painted Leaf are also beginning to bloom.



Several of us notice a moth clinging on to Net 14. Christine IDs it as a Lettered Sphinx Moth.



Later on we captured a new Hermit Thrush. This one was an adult.



This Carolina Wren was hatched here last year and we banded it shortly thereafter. It is still here searching for breakfast.



Our final bird of the morning was another Gray Catbird. This photo is great for an identifying feature of Catbirds. When they are young the interior of their mouth is a whitish pink. This turns completely black once they have matured. Therefore, this is a young bird.



Looking forward to next Sunday. Should be a bit of a cool down as a front slips down Friday. Only problem is the increasing chance of a visit from our friend. Wind...
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, February 25th.
All nets will be opened by 6:15 A.M.