Groundhog Day without the Repeats

A little fog and a lot of new reflective parking barriers greeted us in the dark of the morning as we got ready for the day. The reflectors were part of the solution to stop semi-trailers from parking on the side of the property. A good start, but super confusing on how to get our cars in on first glance. We managed.

Our first bird of the day was an Ovenbird.



Soon afterwards was a recaptured Hermit Thrush. Always notice the tail. It is a great distinguisher between them and Swainson's Thrushes. They also are the only over-Wintering Thrushes we have in Central Florida.



A fellow birder friend, Lee, brought a few young birding enthusiasts along this morning and they are got to release a bird today. Jenny banded and helped them release our White-eyed Vireo.



Angela got some more experience at banding with the first of our 3 Gray Catbirds.



Lee also got his chance to release one of the Gray Catbirds.



Our 3rd Gray Catbird of the day before the day grew quiet.



As we were wrapping up, we captured an Eastern Palm Warbler. They are sometimes referred to as Yellow Palm Warblers even though a lot of reference guides are lumping them together are just Palm Warblers. Notice how many yellow feathers are scattered throughout the birds plumage. Western Palm Warblers are very drab and brown this time of year.



Should be a little chillier next Sunday but we can learn to layer.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, February 9th.
All nets will be opened by 6:40 A.M.