Foggy

Yet another Sunday after a Saturday rain event. Seems to be the norm this Session and might be again next week. Wet feet and no idea what we might find once we arrive on early Sunday mornings. Today, the operative word was Fog. Even late into the morning we had plenty to go around, especially out at the lakeside.



Oddly, even though we ended up with a fairly good amount of birds, we didn't take a lot of photos at the table. We did capture a couple of previously banded Carolina Wrens and even a new one that was rather more tawny than our usual local birds. Maybe a new male trying to establish a territory? It was very impressive in coloration and posed quite proudly.



One of the more spectacular sights as we walk the trails in this weather is the way the spider webs stand out in the misty conditions. They become so easy to see and are very detailed.



As you get closer to the lake, heading toward Net 21, the marsh area looked more like a northern woodland than some Central Florida river bank.



We captured several Ruby-crowned Kinglets today, including this younger male with only a scant amount of ruby feathers in its crown.



Earth Smoke (Fumaria officinalis) is in full bloom in its usual spots this year but is also being seen spreading all the way up to the main roads. In some spots it is now a couple of feet high.



This plant is widespread though out Florida and has been used medicinally by some but is also possibly poisonous. It is lovely to look at, however.



As we made the rounds and made bird captures we also took in some other wildlife as it appeared. Most of our attention was drawn toward the end of the lanes and out by the lake where our resident Marsh Rabbit is pretty easily found foraging beneath the Willows.



Wood Ducks were drifting by along the edge of the lake as Tree Swallows skimmed the water's surface over and over in large numbers.



We recaptured a White-eyed Vireo we first banded in October and then captured a new Gray Catbird to add to our tally.



Though pretty quite of late, Eastern Phoebes are still patrolling the marshes but they have not been in the vicinity of the nets for the past month or so.



Swamp Sparrows are also in good numbers down by the lake and in the marsh but have not ventured any closer.



Then, Lynn found a new bird for our species list. A Least Bittern was hiding along the edge of the lake in the reeds. It was watchful and made for a difficult subject. But it knew she was there.



When they could, others headed down to the spot to try their luck for a sighting. Danny got this shot from his cell phone as others jockied for position while trying not to get stuck in the muck.



Andrew battled swaying cattails and zoomed in for his shot. This secretive bird is probably around more than we know but is a first sighting for the banding crew in this area.



We also captured four Myrtle (Yellow-rumped) Warblers this morning ranging in different ages and sexes. The males are beginning their transformation into Spring plumage which is very different from the more dull version we in Florida get through the Winter.



Exploring the area and making new discoveries is alway a treat but we would love a few weeks of dry conditions found during the week. Makes for nice photo opportunities, though.



Yet another front is set to swing through the state by the end of the week and may even hamper our Sunday banding. Time will tell, as always.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, February 9th.
All nets will be opened by 6:40 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.

Back Home

Nice to be back on 'our' side this week. We doubled our catches in 3 hours compared to 8 at Earth Day in the park proper but still not a lot migration going on. There have been several good nights for birds to move on as the front stalled and allowed birds to head to their breeding grounds. Good for them. More quiet for us. Could be the last hurrah for Spring.

We finally caught a couple birds down at Net 18. Andrew heard Blue Jays calling loudly and investigated, finding them by the net. He soon noticed two birds in the net and something else close by. One of the Barred Owls was flying in to take an assessment of the situation. He chased it off and brought back a Gray Catbird and Cardinal.

The Catbird was not even thankful to be saved from the owl! It tried to take a chunk out of Andrew's hand after being banded. So they are still around for a little longer.



A bit later, we recaptured the female Northern Parula we banded during Earth Day. She showed a very visible brood patch.



Love having these little jewels around during this time of year.



A recaptured Northern Cardinal made an appearance.



As did one of our Wintering House Wrens.



Can't be here too much longer.



Maggie found more frogs near the end of the net lanes. It appears that there is a Green Treefrog and an invasive Cuban Treefrog hanging out together.



While on a net run we found some activity up in the dead snags across from Net 11. Downy Woodpeckers appear to have established a nest cavity across the river. Here, the male takes his turn after feeding the apparent chicks and waits for his mate to take over.



Soon, she returned with what appeared to be some soft seed.



Then she took her guard spot and waited to forage again.



One sad note for the day. Richard was checking nest boxes and found that one of our boxes actually was being occupied by Wood Ducks! However, the nest was compromised, probably by a Mink and the birds did not survive.

In other spots along the river, Maggie found a Wood Duck family swimming along the river.



As we packed up for the morning, another pair of Wood Ducks flew up into the oaks right across from the compromised box. Perhaps wanting to use it themselves?



A bit farther up the river we found yet another pair of Wood Ducks so they are definitely in breeding mode. Good luck to all of them.

Hoping for a little cool down after a projected front at the end of the week. It is already feeling like Summer!
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, May 1st.

All nets will be opened by 6:15 A.M.