Gray, Misty, Cold, Windy.

Need more descriptors than that? We were convinced that the fog and clouds were going to be burned off after the sunrise. Not to be. Temps were supposed to be in the mid-60s, but the morning started at 51 degrees and stayed there all morning with gusting winds. No one warmed up. Not even the birds.

Our first American Robins flew over mid-morning (a week late), so there was that.

Not long after dawn, Andrew had a House Wren pop out of the grass a few yards away by Net 19. He managed to direct it around the nets in the area and back into Net 19 for our first bird of the day.



Our only other capture of the day was a Gray Catbird.



In the gloom, Wood Storks were gathering on the neighbors lawn near the marsh. Eventually, 6 juvenile birds had gathered together and trolled the shallow waters from time to time.



Most of us got closer for images as the birds stayed around all morning. This Stork seemed to be more in control of the others. More importantly, do you notice anything different? A band! We do not have a permit to band waterfowl or waders so we have sent info to the FWC to see if they know where this bird was first banded. Stay tuned.



One of the other Wood Storks seemed a bit more refined with its fluffed feathers. Adult Wood Storks have black bills, by the way.



Almost hidden in clear view, a Limpkin was preening next to the storks.



A Great Egret flew in to search the marsh near the storks, too.



As a sign of Fall, a single Maple leaf dropped quietly into the water as we got photos of the birds. Look closely and you can spot a tiny water spider to the left of the leaf.



We closed up and headed home. Mentioning Robins earlier reminded us that typically when they arrive so do the first Hooded Mergansers. Andrew found the first pair just up the road in their Winter hangout in Maitland Center.



In the adjoining pond, a Pied-billed Grebe searched for similar grub. Both birds love crayfish, tadpoles, and small fish.



The next cold front is approaching and the forecast has stayed fairly steady. Could be rain early Sunday. If the rains are present from 5-7 AM then we will not be banding. Please check the blog before deciding to join us. The call will be made by no later than 5 AM.
______________________________________
Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, December 1st.
All nets will be opened by 6:30 A.M.

Foggy Sunday

The first of a projected series of cold fronts is creeping down and a little rain is sweeping through. Radar shows birds moving, but they are most likely ducks instead of warblers. Will still set in for a day as the morning was brought with fog. It got thicker and thicker before dawn becoming a misty air in the dark.

This shot ws taken later but still shows he extent of the fog out near the lake lingering approaching 9 AM.



Our first bird in the morning was a recaptured House Wren. A second was not far behind with a Catbird, told below.



Hermit Thrushes typically arrive so much earlier, so it was nice to get our first ones today. This one was a juvenile.



Our one Gray Catbird flew in early and was next to our second House Wren in Net 9. Most of our birds were captured before 7:30 today.



Yet another new Northern Cardinal male was captured. Cardinals do not really migrate, so where is this guy coming from? Somewhere nearby, for sure.



A second Hermit Thrush was waiting at the table when we brought the other back. This one was an adult bird.



Another of our juvenile Carolina Wrens hit the nets. Kids still not learning.



As we waited for a hopeful next feeding wave, we looked around the property and were surprised to find several species of fungi all over the place. It has been a very wet couple of years and now it is very dry. The fungus has decided to thrive on the snags and undergrowth. We took time to take photos of all of the varieties along the way, starting with the big growth in the net lanes.



But, 'skeeeeeetch!" Where did this Purple Aster come from? It is now blooming just behind Net 9.



Up in the pine flat wood region of the property we found many different fungus. This patch was circling a trunk of a small snag.



Another trunk was circled from top to bottom.



On that same tree, a small branch was growing out and also being ringed by fungus.



Most were brown and tan were punctuated by a bit of yellow deep in the woods.



Behind Net 15, a bit of shelf fungus was seen by the oak felled by Hurricane Matthew.



One of the fun things about the fog is that is shows off all of the Bowl-and-Doily Spiderwebs all up and down the lanes.



Jenny spotted a turtle at that same spot when the rest of us missed it. It seems rather beat up but she says it shows some sign of Life. We shall see in the week to come.



In the wooded area near Nets 16-17, there is now a White Aster putting on a show.



Back at Net 15, signs of Tent Caterpillars are spinning homes in the holly.



Near the table, Andrew spotted a few other fungus features. This one was another ringing a small branch.



A step to the side revealed a more yellow growth in the shade.



As we wrapped up the day and headed back to the table after net gathering, Kate noticed a flash of orange off to the left along the path we have walked all day. There is a huge fungus growth there 5 yards off to the left.



Just behind the orange bloom was a set of white mushrooms sharing the same tree.



Net 3 was alos hiding a nice colony of caps.



Our final bird of the day was one we were wondering about. Where were the Ovenbirds? Quiet but still here.



One the way home, Andrew found some of the birds at Maitland Center. We are now up to 4 Hooded Mergansers in the parking lot pond.



Also feeding along the pond's edge was a Little-blue Heron...



...and several White Ibis.



We will dip into the 30s this week but should be back into the 80s by next Sunday. Maybe we can get some new migrants in the area with this new cold front? Fingers crossed...
______________________________________
Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, December 2nd.
All nets will be opened by 6:30 A.M.

Still Quiet

Still quiet in the area but at least we have the Supermoon to look at. It was nice and bright as it set this morning before dawn. This photo was taken about 12 hours later in downtown Orlando.



At least we could be happy with the results of yesterday's AAC Championship game as UCF defeated Memphis to become the only undefeated college football team in the country. Andrew decided to represent by swapping out hats today.



Our first bird of the morning was a recaptured House Wren. All birds captured today were recaptures. Birds were around from time to time but decided to feed high in the trees all morning.



Aislin and Angelo joined us this morning and helped record info for the wren and the next bird, a Hermit Thrush.



Out by the lake, several Swamp Sparrows chased one another along the shoreline.



The final bird of the day was an Ovenbird.



Just after we released the bird at the table, Connie spotted a Raccoon ambling in our direction. It finally noticed us and made a course correction toward Net 3. It then scurried up a tree as we approached for a close-up. A couple of minutes later it climbed down and headed up the lanes. We noticed several dug up turtle nests along the lanes. Little guy has been busy.



One bright spot after the disappointing capture rate was more and more returning Hooded Mergansers all over the region. We don't band them but they are fun to watch.



More Yellow-rumps and Palm Warblers are around with more to come. Perhaps next Sunday will be a productive day. Suppose to be on the chilly side, though.

NOTE: We will not be banding December 10th due to weather. Forecast is for temperatures in the mid 30s with higher winds making it more dangerous for birds if lingering in nets.
______________________________________
Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, December 17th.
All nets will be opened by 6:35 A.M.

Fog an Wind

It was a foggy start before dawn and took a while to clear. However, that was helped along due to higher and higher winds. So the day was fairly quiet but typical for this time of year. Our first bird of the day was a new Hermit Thrush.



Gray Catbirds are being a bit quiet lately but we are still catching them.



We are having to keep a close eye on one of our resident Barred Owls who is trying to take advantage of our work. It is looking a little shabby and trying to grab easy snacks.



It was prowling around the river and then up in the branches before moving on. Stay outta our nets!



A new fence has gone up across the river. This replaced the older one which was being eroded away after Matthew and other flooding events.



We banded this Northern Cardinal three years ago. Oddly, it still have some black on its bill. Should be solid orange by now.



There were not a lot of Kinglets calling today but we managed to get one female Ruby-crowned Kinglet as the winds increased.



The Earth Smoke blooms are just beginning. It won't be long until the area is carpeted with them.



Andrew stopped by his favorite little pond looking for ducks but was more surprised to find a pair of Sandhill Cranes grazing by the water.



The main target, however, is always the Hooded Mergansers. There were several there and many photos were taken. The light was cooperative for once. The males didn't get as spooked, either.



A pair of female Hooded Mergansers were even more in a posing mood. Andrew will post a lot more photos soon on his blog and share a link.



We will be taking a couple weeks of to enjoy the season with family and friends. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

---

Before we go, our friends a the upcoming Birdapalooza Fest requested we post a message about the event where we will be presenting a banding demo for the 5th year.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Festival and Birdapalooza, January 21, 2017 On Saturday January 21, 2017 join Orange County and partners at the 5th annual FREE family-oriented Lake Apopka Wildlife Festival and Birdapalooza at Orange County’s Magnolia Park, 2929 S Binion Rd, Apopka, FL 32703. Enjoy guided bus tours (limited first-come seating), and guided walking and biking nature tours for children and adults on the Lake Apopka Loop Trail. For the entire family there are live animal demonstrations, bird banding, tree giveaways, music, airboat rides (for a fee), owl pellet dissections, entertainment by IBEX Puppetry, bounce houses, face painting, exhibitors, nature-oriented merchandise vendors and food trucks. Schedule is at http://www.birdapalooza.com and updates are on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/Birdapalooza/. In addition to this free festival, Orange Audubon Society offers birding and photo trips and keynote speakers on Friday and Sunday. See www.orangeaudubonfl.org/birdapalooza for details. If any questions, call 407-637-2525.
______________________________________
Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, January 15th.
All nets will be opened by 6:50 A.M.