Big Birds and Migrants

The morning began with a few twists, the biggest was a new fallen tree across the lanes halfway down after storms over the past week. We could still climb over it all day after breaking away branches so we soldiered on.

Things were quiet for a while before Jenny yelled, "Bird of the Day, Y'all!", as she extracted a male Pileated Woodpecker from Net 24. The female was there, too, but managed to escape. This is only the 2nd Pileated Woodpecker we have banded at Lake Lotus.



Next bird we had was a recaptured Ovenbird. Forgive the blood on Andrew's fingers. Woodpeckers have very sharp talons.



We captured 3 Gray Catbirds today. Two new ones and one recapture. Migration is begining to stir.



A female Northern Cardinal was brought in later in the morning. They are also getting restless as nesting season is approaching.



Our final bird of the day was a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk in Net 3, just below the table. We released it at the table.



Many visitors are expected next weekend and we hope we can cature enough migrating birds to show our new guests. But, birds go where they go. Fresh air is always nice no matter what.

Today's Totals

Birds Processed	New	Recaptured	Total
Gray Catbird	2	1	3
Northern Cardinal	0	1	1
Ovenbird	0	1	1
Pileated Woodpecker	1	0	1
Red-shouldered Hawk	1	0	1
Totals	4	3	7

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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, March 27th.
All nets will be opened by 6:50 A.M.