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.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, December 1st.
All nets will be opened by 6:30 A.M.

Recaptures Only

It was another quiet morning with winds kicking up around 9 AM which stopped all activity except for leaves which we were busy extracting for the next hour or so before closing up. All of our bird today were recaptures beginning with this House Wren.



Net 2 held a pair of birds shortly after the House wren. One was a very feisty Carolina Wren first banded earlier in the year.



The other was an equally feisty Ovenbird also banded this year.



As the Limpkin move further up the lowering river, an odd little Pied-billed Grebe has been following them. This bird was most of the way up the river feeding in the shadows when we got a photo. Typically, these Grebes remain in lakes and retention ponds.



Down by the river, our resident cranky male Anhinga stood guard over the mouth of the river.



The final catch of the day was a Gray Catbird. Probably the best data of the day as we found this bird was first banded here 5 years ago.



We leave you with our version of Fall views here in Central Florida. Browning Cypress, mellow Maples and yellow flowers surround the Window on the Lake. A large view of this shot also reveals an Osprey, Anhinga, and Great Egret as American Robins travel far overhead.



A cold front will get here by next weekend. Maybe it will bring a few more birds out feeding and flying.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, December 11th.
All nets will be opened by 6:40 A.M.

Getting Chilly With It

Looks like it might be a colder year this year. We got started today with the temperature in the low 40s. Last year we had to wear a jacket maybe one day all season. Oh, well. Perhaps it will bring us some interesting birds.

Today was Gray Catbird day. They were the most captured species throughout the morning.



House Wrens were calling in various locations but we only netted a single bird that was first banded two years ago.



Just when it occurred to us that we had yet to hear a single Eastern Phoebe, one found a net down the lanes.



We caught a couple of Hermit Thrushes. Both were juveniles and very fluffy against the cold.



Time for a trip out to the lake. Skies were super clear and Moon was nice and crisp.



Myrtle Warblers (Yellow-rumped Warbler) are increasing in numbers and are now found mainly coming through the marsh and out over the lake.



At the mouth of the river a Pied-billed Grebe fed in the shallow water in front of the fishing pier.



A Tricolored Heron joined the grebe after sneaking through the grasses.



Cattails are shedding and they are getting plenty of help from the increasing winds.



As stated, Myrtle Warbler numbers are increasing and we finally got our first one of the season.



Once we banded the Myrtle Warbler Richard called for a group photo.



On our final net check we got a handsome Swamp Sparrow to round out the day.



It should be a little warmer next weekend. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, November 27th.
All nets will be opened by 6:30 A.M.

Winds of Change

Back after a week off for Spring Break, we set nets on this Easter morning before dawn as usual. Right at dawn we were catching birds at a good rate. First up was a Hermit Thrush in Net 7. Just as soon as we got Net 19 opened a House Wren and Northern Cardinal flew into it.



Next up, a male Common Yellowthroat.



An adult Carolina Wren joined the mix soon afterward.



Susan happened upon a Common Green Darner and got some shots before placing it in the Sun to continue the warm up.



Then the day went quiet and the winds began to increase. We couldn't find the Limpkins in their usual spots. Soon we relocated the pair. Both up on the fishing pier railings.



Down below, a handsome Pied-billed Grebe poses before a dive.



Almost overlooked, a female Wood Duck glides toward the shore.



We have been hearing a wonderful noise again in the area. Great-crested Flycatchers have returned.



Besides the Great-crested Flycatchers we also heard our first of the season Chimney Swifts twittering overhead. Those hardy "Wheep!"s of the flycatchers were all over, though.



Bob spotted one of the Barred Owls fly in with a large prey item. It was soon relocated across the river and our newest volunteer, Lynn, got a shot before the bird was spooked by some park visitors. It was determined the prey was a large (very!) rat.



Not long before leaving we captured a couple of Yellow-rumped Warblers.



One the way our to the cars we had a pair of Swallow-tailed Kites soaring above us.



One Swallow-tailed Kite even seemed to be carrying nesting material.



Migrants are being reported more and more. Perhaps we can capture some next week.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, April 7th.
All nets will be opened by 6:40 A.M.

A Sharpie Warms Our Day

Three hearty souls braved the cold morning (39-ish degrees-Don't laugh) for the first time in weeks to see what might be flying. Our hands never warmed up until we were about to leave. The capture of a special bird did warm our hearts, though. More on the Bird-of-the-Day and the end, of course.

Our firs bird of the day was a young Gray Catbird.



It displayed an interesting tail molt.



Next up, our first of three Palm Warblers for the day.



The final Palm Warbler of the day was caught as we were closing up the nets.



Nice to have another Swamp Sparrow for the season. Yes, the gloves never came off.



Checking on the lake, we found a Pied-billed Grebe, a Limpkin, and dozens of vultures lifting up into the increasing winds.



Also down by the lake was an Orange-crowned Warbler.



Can you tell we are rushing right along? Why? Our Bird-of-the-Day.

As Greg and Andrew walked the trail they noticed a curious sight. Hanging in Net 14 was a hawk. A Sharp-shinned Hawk.



This is the first Sharpie we have captured here. We used to get a couple out at Wekiwa Springs. Which made us wonder once we noticed this bird was already banded!



It was a juvenile so it couldn't be one of those banded by us. Must have been banded this year and arrived here during migration. Probably.



The number was sent to the Bird Banding Laboratory. They say they do not have a record of this band. Yet. They will get back to us with that info when they can. For now, we get to enjoy the moment before Greg releases the bird back into the wild.



Next week should be warmer. Better be...

Happy New Year!!!
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, January 6th.
All nets will be opened by 7:00 A.M.