We noted more migrants today including a very vocal Summer Tanager (frustration plus!!) or two, a Blue-headed Vireo, and a male American Redstart.
The Painted Bunting was a female or young male and was packed with fat for its journey from wherever it was to its breeding grounds. Maybe someone will find this one at a feeder in North or South Carolina. Bill Eaton almost levitated when he saw the fat from across the table, obviously not a hollow any longer. Luckily he got his gear and documented the bulging store of energy.
Painted Bunting (green)
Photo by Bill Eaton
The Black-throated Blue Warbler was an after second year male - always fun to see colorful males in spring. It had the typical identifying "white handkerchief" field mark which you can see is made up of a series of white marks on individual feathers. There was some black streaking on its back which may indicate that this is the subspecies which breeds in the Appalachian Mountains. I will investigate further and update this information.
Black-throated Blue Warbler (male)
both photos by Bill Eaton
Next banding session: April 22, 2014 nets up at 6:45.
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