Migration in Florida is very weather dependent. Clear skies mean that birds keep flying. Our weather has been clear and quite warm. April is the key month in spring; birds are quickly making their way north. We can't be sure of having birds on the property but hopefully migration is soon to produce.
I've had a wish to band some of the Great Crested Flycatchers that have come to Possum Long to breed. Last year they used a Wood Duck box for their cavity. It appears that they are doing so again.
Great Crested Flycatcher
After we banded two Gray Catbirds we had a Prairie Warbler in the net in the butterfly garden. Though fairly out in the open, this net has been productive.
Prairie Warbler
Photo by Bev Poppke
Prairie Warbler
Photo by Nancy Price
We had another visitor to the butterfly garden today. As soon as it saw me it decided to move on. Barely had time to catch a picture.
Great Egret
I was lamenting that the Great Cresteds were up so high that we would probably not catch one. While near the trail net, Marko played the song on his phone to see what it sounded like and one hit the net. When he told me we had one, I told him April Fool's was yesterday! But it was true!
Great Crested Flycatcher
Photo by Nancy Price
Flycatchers and other insect-eating birds (like the previous Chuck-will's-widow) have bristles near their bill that help detect flying insect prey. When these are touched, the bill snaps. I was surprised at how strong the feet were on this bird. Other flycatchers I have banded had relatively small, weak feet.
Great Crested Flycatcher showing rictal bristles
Photo by Crystal Conway
Showing Fran and Marko the Great Crested Flycatcher
Photo by Linda Wishney
When we have the bird in hand, the undertail coverts on a Gray Catbird are a surprise to some folks as the feathers are rust colored. One Gray Catbird we caught had quite a bit of body molt (feathers that are growing in and are covered with a sheath). In addition to some of the gray body feathers, some of the undertail coverts were growing in too.
Gray Catbird
Photo by Nancy Price
I am always grateful to all of the volunteers who work hard on this project. Many thanks to you. Extra thanks today go to Linda Wishney who brought coffee and doughnuts!
Next banding: April 9, 2013
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