First off we had a Gray Catbird. They have returned in higher numbers than we have had all winter. Unfortunately it was only this one and another for today.
Gray Catbird
Photo by Greg Palermo
The second Gray Catbird had a damaged bill. In evaluating the bird, we found that it did not have sharp edges of a recent break. The bird also had some stored fat in preparation for migration. So, despite the damage, this bird is coping and eating and had a good amount of energy.
Gray Catbird
Photo by Bill Eaton
Later we recaptured a female American Redstart. This bird was originally determined to be an after hatch-year female. She was on her way north last March when we caught her. She went somewhere in the large breeding range of American Redstarts, likely had a nest and then flew south to spend the winter. Now, likely on her way back north (we saw no overwintering redstarts this year), she once again flew to Possum Long. This is the amazing realization of recaptures!
Greg got the only photo of the redstart today - of himself just before releasing her.
American Redstart
Photo by Greg Palermo
Crystal caught the cute photo for the day - rabbit visiting the station!
Photo by Crystal Conway
We are on the verge of some migration banding. The noise level has certainly increased at Possum Long and we were a bit frustrated in the late morning to hear vireos. We were able to find both Yellow-throated (only the second time detected on the property) and a Blue-headed but neither obliged us with a capture. The Yellow-throated sang its song ("three-eight") and scolded and drove us a bit crazy. Warbler numbers also seemed to be higher than the recent normal. Maybe next session......
Next banding will be on March 4. Nets up at 6:30.
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