That said, we set nets and waited for the yields of the banding day. Oddly, it was very quiet today. Last week we were treated by many juvenile Carolina Wrens. They were seen and heard all morning but none crossed the trails. We had to wait over an hour to catch our first bird, a juvenile Northern Cardinal.
So, when birds are taking care to stay out of the heat more than us, we get to tending to the trails. Andrew ridded our Holly trees of Muscadine Grape vines and Jenny and Richard worked on prepping the area behind Net 19 for future plantings of Wax Myrtles.
Over at Oliva's Garden, Connie set about clearing the overgrowth that occurred in the past 2 months. Plants set in last May seem to be adapting quite well and pollinators are showing up in good numbers.
Our little patch of Rhexia is still blooming strong between Nets 10 and 22.
While checking Net 2, we noticed that the sunlight was illuminating Leather Flower seeds hanging next to the path.
Everyone loved the discovery of Winged Sumac in full bloom by Net 19. Tony Bees were in full force and all of them were sporting legs full of pollen. This seems to be the first time this tree has been in bloom and is a good source of pollen in the area.
One Cardinal escaped at Net 10 earlier and shortly afterward Christine got to remove a Ruby-throated Hummingbird from the newly resumed Net 6. Again, we cannot band Hummingbirds as it requires a special license so she was safely released immediately. Other hummers were seen during the morning.
Other sightings of the day were American Redstarts and a family of Pileated Woodpeckers, one adult and two juveniles. Red-eyed Vireos were heard in several spots today.
Hopefully more migrants begin to arrive next week. Records show we should see Waterthrushes, Ovenbirds, and other Warblers moving into the area soon depending on the weather patterns.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, August 18th.
All nets will be opened by 6:25 A.M.
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