Seminole Audubon Stops By

Odd start to the day. As Andrew was setting nets way before dawn, he was flushing birds out of the grasses and bushes all the way down to the marsh. The dawn chorus was strong including sounds of Indigo Buntings calling in the dark. Once the sunrise hit there were birds moving but it seemed that all of the migrants decided to hit the cold front and take off.

We lost one bunting in the nets early but then all we began to capture were local birds, including a recaptured juvenile Carolina Wren. We were pleased to have several visitors from Seminole Audubon arriving and Leslie got to release our first bird of the morning.



Next up was a new male Northern Cardinal, released at the table so it wouldn't bite visitors.



Then we had a new migrant House Wren that did not want to pose pretty for the cameras. Blink much?



Common Yellowthroats were heard all over today but we only captured one adult male.



Gray Catbirds are finally moving about. Surprisingly, the first we captured was an adult bird. Usually we only get juveniles this time of year.



Some White-eyed Vireo do stick around all year, but this time of the season finds many migrating individuals. This bird was a nice example, showing fat deposits as it was coming through from up North.



We next recaptured another juvenile Carolina Wren born this Spring on property.



Then, our next Gray Catbird. As expected, a juvenile.



While Andrew was checking Net 2, he nearly stumbled upon this Box Turtle making its way up the trail.



Rouge Plant, (Rivina humilis), is now growing on our side of the river. It has always been along the opposite side of the river and we were given permission to bring some over but it has now sprung up on its own. Catbirds, and other fruit loving birds, enjoy the fruiting berries.



As mentioned at the opening, Indigo Buntings were heard calling and being flushed from the grasses before dawn. They were then seen flying over for most of the morning. Eventually, we caught our first bird of the day which was a juvenile female. Note the gape still along the base of the bill.



Gray Catbirds got restless as winds picked up. Most of the area was quiet for much of the morning and we assume most birds were taking advantage of strong winds leading them to there Wintering grounds.



Marguerite was hesitant to release a bird earlier in the morning but she relented for our second White-eyed Vireo. Truth be told, it was the first one we banded earlier in the day that found different net a while later.



An adult female Indigo Bunting was brought in next. Compare it to the juvenile and note the blue on the shoulders, which the juveniles do not show.



Along the lanes, Christine discovered a moth in distress. It was an Imperial Moth, (Eacles imperialis), that was at least extremely tired but then again released to fend for itself.



Alyssa is continuing to add plants to Olivia's Garden. Last week it was a milkweed. Today she brought in several other perennials and plumbago to add into the space. Maria started this space and we are making the dream a reality of a proper garden space. Next up: Porter Weed. Along with the Cedars, this should soon be a lovely bird and pollinator friendly area.



Alyssa also found caterpillar under a leaf. Still trying to figure out which species.



The final bird of the day was another House Wren. This is the perfect time to get acquainted with them and they will stick around until late Spring.



Still wondering if the warmer weather up North will release bigger migrants flows differently than previous years. The next cold front moves down just before the weekend. Should be a very pleasant Sunday.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, October 28th.
All nets will be opened by 7:05 A.M.