Another Day Blown Away

We woke to a very chilly morning that felt closer to 30 than 50. Later on the wind would again pour out of the North and grind activity to a halt. Last year at this time was the only time in our banding history at Lake Lotus that we didn't not capture a single bird. At least we broke that record this year.

Our first bird of the morning was a recaptured Carolina Wren.



Next up was a soon to be departing Gray Catbird.



We are all aware that Gray Catbirds have rufus undertail coverts (aren't we?) but we can't say we have seen rufus feather under the wing as shown on this bird.



A recaptured Brown Thrasher made for a squawking photo shoot before being processed and released.



The adult Barred Owl seemed more content on preening this morning but as the sunlight illuminated the opposite side of the river we made a nice discovery of the newest resident of Lake Lotus.



Our final bird of the day was a male Myrtle subspecies of the Yellow-rumped Warbler. He is quickly transitioning into his Spring finery.



This is a nice 'bright' specimen/ Love those crisp black and yellow feathers now showing up through the dull Winter wear.



Many birders overlook the yellow crowns these warbler posses, especially here in the Winter. The females have them, too, just less pronounced.



When you are catching more leaves than birds it is time to head home. At least as the day warmed it was rather nice to be out in the open air.



NOTE: Time to Spring Forward! Clocks move ahead one hour Sunday.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, March 11th.
All nets will be opened by 7:10 A.M.