Our first bird of the day was a Gray Catbird. Many more were heard but only one was banded today.
We had our first Swanson's Thrush two weeks ago and it was good to see another after a complete shutout of this species last year.
Right on schedule, female Indigo Buntings dropped in early in the day. While most of the peak birds are two weeks late, Indigos always seem to arrive mid-October.
The next bird was another Indigo Bunting, confirming the data.
That was soon followed by the next Swainson's Thrush.
Did we mention Indigo Buntings?
Connie soon brought up a new bird and quickly headed back down the lane in search of new birds, thinking she had another Swainson's Thrush. Fortunately, it was a more rare bird. A Gray-cheeked Thrush! We seem to get at least one every other year during the migration rush. This is the darkest specimen we can recall.
Our newest interested volunteer, Angela, got to release a couple of birds including our Gray-cheeked Thrush.
Back at the table, the kids opened a chair and found a tiny frog hiding inside. iNaturalist suggests that it is a Rain From. Investigation is ongoing for final ID.
Last week, a large tree dropped across the area of Net 4. That lead us to move that net a few yards away to become Net 25 where we caught a Titmouse last week. Net 4 has not been very productive over the past few years so it was time to try a new location. Net 4 was the net that we caught our very first 2 birds at Lake Lotus, a pair of Cardinals. Sad to see it go, but science moves on. It was also being taken over by vegetation and was difficult to get to after Hurricane Matthew dragged down a large oak across the path to it.
We heard many Common Yellowthroats along the river today, but our sole capture was a juvenile male.
Eastern Phoebe have been calling since last week so it was nice to capture one today. These agile flycatchers avoid nets most of the time and even have been seen sitting directly on top of a net from time to time.
Net 3 snared two Carolina Wrens. Both recaptures.
Carolina Wren Number 2.
Ranger Jason stopped by to check on things and asked about mowing efforts. We informed him that it was a bit overblown at times and said we would set flags and such to mark off where and where not to mow.
The planting ladies took that to heart and headed out mark their territory. Big time!
Our native gardening is now grabbing large portions of the lanes for future native improvements. Now we just to tend the soil and encourage a place for pollinators instead of invasive grasses.
We then received another juvenile male Northern Cardinal.
A nice couple of surprises rounded out the day. First up was a female Black and White Warbler.
Finally, we got a female American Redstart. Andrew heard it calling but thought it was up in the trees. Looking closely, it was actually in Net 13.
Our newly brave youngster begged to release the American Redstart after a while shying away from it in the past. Maybe since his older brother stayed home today. Regardless, another friend of birds is born.
Finishing the post late for an update: Tropical Storm Olga has now formed and will cut out some new birds for the weekend and we will watch the weather leading up to Sunday. For now, will plan on business as usual this weekend. Stay tuned...
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday the 27th.
All nets will be opened by 7:05 A.M.
