Andrew walked the lanes the week before and found the grasses up to waist high and a tree down blocking Net 7. The rangers were not sure if they could get out there due to Hurricane Idaylia getting close and they had to have sand bag filling duties.
The storm ended up staying to the West along the Tampa and panhande side and the rangers had time to clear the lanes before we began. Thanks to our friends for all of their efforts!
Our other, non-human friends, the Air Potato Beetles, have begun to wake and take care of the invasive vines.
The Air Potato vines are being skeletonized more and more throughout the area.
Can't not mention the first round of getting down the lanes. The early walk is usually spent clearing webs of Tropical Orb Weavers as we get things set up.
We were all glad to be back on the property. Some more than others!
We actually had to wait a awhile before the birds decided to get out of bed. After about an hour we got our first birds: 2 unbanded Carolina Wrens.
Like the bird with Nalida, we captured 6 Common Yellowthroats in a tight group moving past. 5 juvenile males and one female.
Then, the Ovenbirds arrived. We had 3 today. Right on time.
A next surprise was our next bird that usually come through in August, which we have given up due to heat. A Louisiana Waterthrush graced us and got a band today.
Then we captured a female Black-and-White Warbler.
Our last bird of the day was barely resting in Net 18. A male American Redstart. It was full of fat and tired, just arriving from the North.
Andrew was checking nets not long from closing up and found a large wasp in Net 5 with some prey. Turned out to be a Cicada Killer (Sphecius speciosus) with a cicada in its grasp. Most of us gathered to watch it finally free itself and the bug and drag it back to its burrow. Once there, it will lay eggs on the insect and let the offspring feed on it before leaving the nest.
It was a nice day and great return for Session 16. Lets see what the year brings us before Fall officially begins! Looking forward to cooler weather weather not too far away.
Today's Totals
| Birds Processed | New | Recaptured | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Wren | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Louisiana Waterthrush | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Common Yellowthroat | 5 | 1 | 6 |
| Black-and-white Warbler | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Ovenbird | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| American Redstart | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Totals | 13 | 1 | 14 |
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, September 10th.
All nets will be opened by 6:40 A.M.
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