January 21, 2014

Today was once again very slow.  We waited almost 4 hours with 7 nets up and we only caught one bird.  Yes, you guessed it - Gray Catbird.

No photographs either.

I am considering a break for a week or two and hopefully things will move soon.  Keep a watch here (I'll amend the end of this post) for the latest on the next banding.  Likely this will happen on February 11, 2014.  Nets up at 6:30.  Maybe February 4 if the water level in the pond is lower.

January 14, 2014

Well, today can only be described as quiet.  It is obvious that some more winter birds have moved in but unfortunately they are flyovers or high in the trees.  American Robins are around as are American Goldfinches.  From contact with people who feed Painted Buntings (see new page with information on this project), they were late this year but numbers seem to be increasing.  So, the winter doldrums have hit.  The good news is that last year we had more captures starting in February!

Today we had one recapture of a Gray Catbird originally banded in December.

Gray Catbird

Photo by Bill Eaton

We were also visited by a species that does not typically frequent the property.  A young Little Blue Heron patrolled the pond.  The pond was very high with water over the new walkway bridge and covering all of the berms where we have been placing nets.  

Little Blue Heron

Photos by Nancy LaFramboise

Next banding session:  January 21, 2014 - nets go up at 6:30 am

January 9, 2014 TODAY'S BANDING CANCELED

Banding is canceled today because of the rain.  Hope to see everyone at the next session which will be on our regularly scheduled Tuesday.

In the meantime, check out the page I've created about our new endeavor - color banding Painted Buntings.  We have been to 5 locations already and have banded 23 so far.  Incidental captures have been fun too.  I have added two new species to my banded list.

Next banding session:  Tuesday, January 14.  Nets go up at 6:30 am, weather permitting.