More Spring Migrants

There was a fair amount of rain on Saturday so the area was soaked by morning and overcast all day. Our first bird of the morning was an Ovenbird. It was just last week that we were wondering when they would turn North. This was a very bright adult.



Lynn, a new visitor, got to release several birds through out the day, including the Ovenbird.



Several Gray Catbirds were heard on the property but we only captured a new one for banding.



Down by the marsh, a Carolina Wren hatched and banded last May stopped by for a visit.



Baby Barred Owl was very vocal today. At one point Mama stopped by to feed it.



It took us a bit of time to figure out what the meal was. Later on we found the remains of a frog beneath the limb.



We had hoped that the Barred Owls were done looking for food. Turns out they were still hungry and took advantage when a Brown Thrasher flew toward Net 12. Poor thing had no chance against such a skilled hunter. Time to post Owl Watch again...



A strong song was rising out near the lake. It took a couple of minutes to locate the singing bird. It was even more difficult to get a photo of our first male American Redstart of Spring.



A little farther on we found a large blooming of this little yellow flower on some sort of ground cover. Anyone have an ID?



Speaking of yellow, a Prairie Warbler was feeding in the willows but would not stay still for a focused portrait.



Nearby, a female Black and White Warbler was more cooperative.



Meanwhile, Mama Barred Owl was looking sleepy after her 2nd breakfast of the morning.



We captured 2 Northern Cardinals today. One was a new bird and the other was banded a couple of years ago. Males were chasing one another all around the table sites.



As most of the crew was roaming the net lanes, Bob, Lynn, and Richard processed another Ovenbird.



Our final bird of the day was the first Northern Waterthrush of the season. A Louisiana Waterthrush was also seen close to the lake.



As for the trail cam, last week was nearly all Raccoons. This week it was strictly Opossum.



More cool air and rain coming. Wonder what will show up next Sunday.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, April 15th.
All nets will be opened by 6:30 A.M.