Sunday, April 4, 2021

A Steady Easter and an Uncommon Visitor

Andrew arrived first, as usual, and began setting nets. When he got to Net 14, he was greeted by the symbol of the holiday: the Easter Bunny. Sure, it was just our local Swamp Rabbit but it was very unphased by his presence and was determined to continue where it was headed and hopped just inches from him as it made it way down the 'bunny trail'. An interesting start to the morning...

Gray Catbirds were the most numerous birds of the day and they were all new captures. They are getting restless and feeding before they head North soon.

Gray Catbird

Second most captures were Carolina Wrens. It is time for new broods, but none of our birds showed brood patches.

Carolina Wren

Strangely, we have been missing House Wrens for quite awhile. Today we got one recapture, first banded in November.

House Wren

Bird of the Day was an unexpected Swainson's Warbler down at Net 16. They are showing up as 'rare' across the state and we do band a few of them from time to time.

Swainson's Warbler

Our last bird of the day was our last Gray Catbird. It was the only Catbird with visible fat in preparation for migration.

Gray Catbird

Long range forecasts suggest rain for next weekend, but we know that can change at any time. Check back Saturday night to be sure if we are heading out.

Today's Totals

Birds Processed New Recaptured Total
Gray Catbird 5 0 5
Carolina Wren 2 1 3
House Wren 0 1 1
Swainson's Warbler 1 0 1
Totals 8 2 10

NOTE: To ensure the safety of our volunteers and the general public, new visitors are discouraged from attending banding at this time. The few of us who remain will update the blog as long as we can and hope to see new faces in the future. Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time.

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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, April 11th.
All nets will be opened by 6:35 A.M.

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