Back to Regular Banding

Yesterday's Earth Day Festival was a disappointment, bird-wise, so we were hoping for a better day on the other side of the river today. It did get a little better but the migrants are still not here yet.

Gray Catbirds made up the highest species catch today with four birds. They will not be around too much longer.



A Northern Cardinal was recaptured down near the lake. we caught his lady in the same net last weekend.



Northern Parulas usually prefer to stay higher in the tree canopy but this male flew directly across the river and straight into Net 19, bounced out and turned to get caught. this one had chestnut coloring down both sides of his flanks.



Next up was a second year recaptured Carolina Wren.



We did manage one Common Yellowthroat for the morning, most likely a migrant.



This adult male Common Yellowthroat kept his bill open the entire encounter. If you look closely, you can see the bristles on the roof of its mouth that aid in keeping insects going in the right direction down its throat.



Out at the lake's edge, a young American Alligator keeps a watch through the cattails. The big bull is still out in the center of the lake.



Ladybugs have set up house on the wax Myrtles Richard planted not long ago.



Back in the woods, Golden Silk Spiders are still the dominant species where they set wide webs between the vegetation.



There is still at least one female Painted Bunting down in the marsh munching on seeds. The grasses are too far from Net 18 so we probably won't catch her anytime soon.



Our final bird of the day was another adult male Northern Parula. A lot of fathers are busily feeding their chicks this time of year.



Hoping for a couple waves of birds in the coming weeks as May is almost upon us. Just need a shift in winds and we should be all set.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, April 30th.
All nets will be opened by 6:15 A.M.

Birds are Filling Up

Hopefully, this is the last round of frost that we will have to endure for the season. It started forming as we set nets before dawn and lasted for a while. Many birds were present but most were staying up in the treetops.

Ground hanging birds were around, however, like our recap Brown Thrasher.



Thought we had banded every Cardinal around here but we still have been catching new members of the local flocks lately. It is always enjoyable to get a new bite from a newly banded male.



Just down the net lanes we also got a new Hermit Thrush.



Ruby-crowned Kinglets are still common during this run so it is always nice to get a new one to add to the inventory. A few were also seen in the trees sporting bands showing that those here are liking it around here for Winter.



Though secretive, we still get a few House Wrens during our days.



Bird-of-the-Day belongs to our Swamp Sparrow. The first captured for banding this season.



We usually get them earlier in the season so it was nice to get one before they move on. Seems this one wants to go back to the pier zone!



Maggie caught a couple good shots through the morning, including this Raccoon. They were present throughout the day.



A great sign that Spring is just around the corner, Maggie also got a nice shot of a Ladybug along the trials.




We look forward to giving demos for many visitors during the Wetlands Festival next Saturday!
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Next Banding Day: Saturday, February 19th at Orlando Wetlands. Not sure about Sunday this week. Might be too tired!

All nets will be opened by 7:35 A.M.