Another Random Day

No big migrant movements here today but it ended up a little interesting. We got to install a few new plants and made some other changes along the way.

First bird of the day was a new adult Gray Catbird. No fat yet. Staying or late or readying to bulk up?



Next up, a recaptured Northern Cardinal, first banded last Summer.



Andrew got tired of fighting the constant growth of a Holly Richard planted years ago by Net 15 so he shifted it to the opposite side of the lane just a few feet down. We will not rename this spot as it is only mere feet away.



Connie spied a small Spider down in the area she in placing new plants. Susan later did some sleuthing and discovered it is a Humpbacked Orb Weaver, Eustala anastera. New find here.



Not too long afterward, the crew found an Indigo Bunting flirting with the nets of 13 and 9 but managed to stay in the upper story of the oaks before flying toward the park proper. A hopeful sign for next week at Earth Day, though.



Jenny then brought back the Bird of the Day. A Prothonotary Warbler. It was down in the marsh area ringed by Cypress trees. Right where you would expect them.



In Net 2, we caught another Gray Catbird. This one was loaded with growths on its legs. Research suggests that is is caused by mites. Since the growths were so large, we did not band it as not to do any further damage.



A close up of the leg irritation on the Gray Catbird.



While checking nets, we noticed that one of the Red Cedars planted by Net 14 is fruiting. Big time! Guess we know which one is a female.



As we began to close up for the morning, Connie called to say that there was a Ruby-throated Hummingbird in Net 20. It was a male.



Ruby-throated Hummingbirds tend to get stressed after getting released from the nets so we took it back to the table and tried to coax it to have a sip of water. It soon flew off back into the woods. Always interesting to see how the gorget changed colors based of the angle of the light.



We always check to see if any American Alligators are heading in to sun. Pat was heading in not long before we wrapped up and found a spot in the sun before long.



NOTE: Saturday is Earth Day in the Lake Lotus Park where we do demos throughout the day. The park will be open for Earth Day from 10 until 3. Then we will band as usual on Sunday on 'our' side of the river.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Saturday for Earth Day in the park and Sunday, April 21st in our usual spot.
All nets will be opened by 6:25 A.M.