Nice October Start

Wondering if the first of the month might yeild our peak numbers as they use to many years ago. The past few have been rather hit or miss and lately arriving late. Today was kind of a mix. First bird of the day was an Ovenbird, so at least we started with a migrant.



Later, we recaptuered another Ovenbird, too. The next bird up was one of our recaptured Carolina Wrens.



A few weeks ago we had a slew of Common Yellowthroats and then they dispursed for a couple of weeks. Today, we had the next wave. The first was an adult male.



It was soon followed up by an adult female.



Another adult female was next. This one had an interesting reddish wash to the breast.



Andrew was heading down the lanes and approached Connie as she was signaling him to come closer to Net 10. She did not want to try to extract the Barred Owl that had flown in. We got that bird out and prepared to release it.



Jenny heard the news and ran down for an opportunity to hold the bird, too. She enjoys the smells of raptors (don't ask) and we all agreed it smelled of the woods. She released it toward the far side of the property.



The Common Yellowthroats kept coming in and the next one was another adult male.



Next, was a second year male. Notice the difference between the previous bird and this one and look at the not completely formed mask.



A recaptuered Tufted Titmouse was brought in soon. This bird was first banded 3 1/2 years ago when we captured the entire family at once..



Gray Catbirds were heard again early, but it took several hours before we caught 2 today.



One more Common Yellowthroat got jewerly as we headed toward shut down.



We were wondering where the House Wrens were when we finally got one as we began to ponder closing up.



We had been seeing several Painted Buntings flying about today. Especially after Connie saw a male bounce out of Net 13 earlier. We saw more near the table and the grasses are prime for feeding buntings heading into the month. Then we got a female as our last bird to end the morning.



So, birds are beginning to stream through as migration ramps up and we can't wait until next weekend to see the birds that show up next.

Today's Totals

Birds Processed	New	Recaptured	Total
Common Yellowthroat	10	0	10
Ovenbird	1	1	2
Tufted Titmouse	0	1	1
House Wren	1	0	1
Gray Catbird	2	0	2
Carolina Wren	0	1	1
Barred Owl	1	0	1
Painted Bunting	1	0	1
Totals	16	3	19

NOTE: Due to the new CDC recommendations, if you are fully vaccinated you are not required to wear masks, esp. at outdoor events such as ours. Get your shots and come on out. Otherwise, bring a mask. All current members at Lake Lotus are fully Vac'ed.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, October 10th.
All nets will be opened by 6:55 A.M.