We have a new volunteer on site, Melanie, who was given the task of banding the first of our morning Wrens. Nice to have someone to get things rolling as Andrew and Richard were busy repairing lines and sprucing up overgrown areas where we can.
The rain for the past few weeks has caused the Little Wekiva to rise even higher than last year in a consistent fashion. So much so, that Andrew moved Net 23 back toward Net 18. It is now designated Net 24. Chances of reaching the lake at this point are slim to none. As Andrew's Dad used to say, "Slim to none, and Slim left town..." Maybe late Fall, but the water is encroaching closer and closer to the end of the lanes.
It is interesting to look at past data and see that, almost exclusively, all we band during the first week of August are juvenile Wrens. Typically, we catch 3. This year it was a total of 5, so species seems to being doing well this year.
Another task we set to is looking for Air Potato Beetles. Last week we found only signs that they were in the area since leaves were being eaten. Today we found many adults all over the property. This bad photo shows one hiding under the foliage.
Our last bird was the 5th Carolina Wren of the morning. The main crew was there, and Melanie is 3rd from the right. Thanks, again, Melanie! We look forward to your help in the future.
Records show that migrants arrive next week. Mostly early warblers. Time to gear up for real science. Just get those spiders out of our face for a bit, please.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, August 12th.
All nets will be opened by 6:25 A.M.
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