This shot ws taken later but still shows he extent of the fog out near the lake lingering approaching 9 AM.
Our first bird in the morning was a recaptured House Wren. A second was not far behind with a Catbird, told below.
Hermit Thrushes typically arrive so much earlier, so it was nice to get our first ones today. This one was a juvenile.
Our one Gray Catbird flew in early and was next to our second House Wren in Net 9. Most of our birds were captured before 7:30 today.
Yet another new Northern Cardinal male was captured. Cardinals do not really migrate, so where is this guy coming from? Somewhere nearby, for sure.
A second Hermit Thrush was waiting at the table when we brought the other back. This one was an adult bird.
Another of our juvenile Carolina Wrens hit the nets. Kids still not learning.
As we waited for a hopeful next feeding wave, we looked around the property and were surprised to find several species of fungi all over the place. It has been a very wet couple of years and now it is very dry. The fungus has decided to thrive on the snags and undergrowth. We took time to take photos of all of the varieties along the way, starting with the big growth in the net lanes.
But, 'skeeeeeetch!" Where did this Purple Aster come from? It is now blooming just behind Net 9.
Up in the pine flat wood region of the property we found many different fungus. This patch was circling a trunk of a small snag.
Another trunk was circled from top to bottom.
On that same tree, a small branch was growing out and also being ringed by fungus.
Most were brown and tan were punctuated by a bit of yellow deep in the woods.
Behind Net 15, a bit of shelf fungus was seen by the oak felled by Hurricane Matthew.
One of the fun things about the fog is that is shows off all of the Bowl-and-Doily Spiderwebs all up and down the lanes.
Jenny spotted a turtle at that same spot when the rest of us missed it. It seems rather beat up but she says it shows some sign of Life. We shall see in the week to come.
In the wooded area near Nets 16-17, there is now a White Aster putting on a show.
Back at Net 15, signs of Tent Caterpillars are spinning homes in the holly.
Near the table, Andrew spotted a few other fungus features. This one was another ringing a small branch.
A step to the side revealed a more yellow growth in the shade.
As we wrapped up the day and headed back to the table after net gathering, Kate noticed a flash of orange off to the left along the path we have walked all day. There is a huge fungus growth there 5 yards off to the left.
Just behind the orange bloom was a set of white mushrooms sharing the same tree.
Net 3 was alos hiding a nice colony of caps.
Our final bird of the day was one we were wondering about. Where were the Ovenbirds? Quiet but still here.
One the way home, Andrew found some of the birds at Maitland Center. We are now up to 4 Hooded Mergansers in the parking lot pond.
Also feeding along the pond's edge was a Little-blue Heron...
...and several White Ibis.
We will dip into the 30s this week but should be back into the 80s by next Sunday. Maybe we can get some new migrants in the area with this new cold front? Fingers crossed...
______________________________________
Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, December 2nd.
All nets will be opened by 6:30 A.M.
No comments:
Post a Comment