Gray Catbirds were very vocal as we set nets before dawn and the first bird of the day we captured was one of them. Though we didn't get a great shot, this one does show something we teach for aging. Catbirds are born with white/pink interiors of their bills. Once they are adults it becomes black. Can you guess the age of this bird?
Next up was a male Common Yellowthroat flying against the wind.
More surprising was a male Painted Bunting caught a short time later. Rainbows in the morning are always a treat.
Andrew was watching a female Painted Bunting for quite a while as the morning wore on an she fed 2 feet behind Net 34. Eventually, she headed into the nets giving us a complete set.
One of the festival's early visitors got to release our female Painted Bunting.
Before the festival officially opened, Richard got his bird boxes situated near the bus drop-off not far from the banding table behind him.
Down in the "Critter Crawl" pond between our net set up, Momma American Alligator was lurking as we got things set but headed to the bank once the day got a little warmer. Oddly, she stayed there in the sunlight all day making her on of the most popular photo ops of the festival on this side of the activities.
Just around the corner, a few baby American Alligators were hanging out in a smaller pond.
Out in the cells, migrating American Coots mingled around with our local Common Gallinules.
Christine found a Purple Gallinule nearby.
White Ibis were flying over most of the day but some were hanging out with Glossy Ibis in the cells.
With the high winds all day we had ample opportunities to watch Black Vultures forming kettles overhead. A few Turkey Vultures joined in from time to time.
While some of us were doing a quick tour of the cells, and Ovenbird was captured and processed by Jenny.
We watch nets flapping in the wind for quite awhile most of the day. At one point, the volunteers began to rush from one area to another and it seemed like maybe a new bird had hit a net. Nope. They were more interested by a newly emerging Dragonfly from the demonstration vegetation vats across the lanes.
At one point today, Connie found a Rainbow Scarab Beetle, our local dung beetle in Florida.
Lunch was well behind us when we caught another male Common Yellowthroat.
Fortunately, a group of visitors was nearby (actually spotted the bird in the net before us) and one of the young ladies got to release the Common Yellowthroat.
Then, our last male Common Yellowthroat was brought in for a band.
Only a few people were around but this couple got to observe and release the Common Yellowthroat.
Clouds were beginning to thicken as the day was drawing to a close. Every now and then a sprinkle was felt and we decided to call it a day about 3 PM. As we started to close nets by the table it was clear there was something in the net at the end of the lane. Jenny yelled asking how to ID a certain bird as Susan thrusted her arms in victory of a Life Bird addition as guests looked on. Andrew took the bird out of the bag and confirmed our catch.
Two years ago, the last festival, we captured and banded a Yellow-breasted Chat. A Chat had been reported and seen for the past couple of weeks in the nearby area and we were hoping we could get some info on the bird. Could it be the same individual? Yes! Just as we were about to leave, here was our bird. As expected, everyone still in the area flocked to the table to see this beautiful bird.
Part of our research involves site fidelity (birds returning to the same spot year after year during migration) and this Yellow-breasted Chat is showing us that. Good protection, good habitat, good food. "I'm going near Disney World!" Welcome back, dear friend.
Two visitors were their way out of the festival after spending time heading here for the sole purpose of locating the Yellow-breasted Chat. Just so happened that they were by the net when the Chat flew in and was being extracted. Knowing this, Andrew called Lydia over and asked her to release the bird back into the scrub. A perfect end to a frustratingly windy day. Connections like that are the best part of festivals.
We need to mention that one of our volunteers, Kate, actually had a nice display by the bus drop off. A painting of Ospreys with chicks in a nest that she painted that was a photo board for visitor picture memories. From top to bottom, left to right: Connie, Susan, Kate (the artist!), and Christine. Great job, Kate!!
Sliding scale? Despite the 30 mph wind gusts, 8 bird captures was fairly surprising. Where were common birds like Cardinals? Weird. Great-crested Flycatcher out of season? Very weird. Yellow-breasted Chat recaptured? Spectacular.
Might have to call this a solid 7 after over a decade of festivals here. Next week we head back home as we inch toward Spring. Robins are already turing North...
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, February 23rd.
All nets will be opened by 6:30 A.M.
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