Tuesday, August 26, 2014

August 26, 2014

Today was much more exciting than the last session.  We had a total of three captures and some great company.  We noted a Great Crested Flycatcher, a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and caught a glimpse of a small, brown bird in the undergrowth - Ovenbird?  Swainson's Warbler?  Worm-eating Warbler?  Any of these would be welcome.

Great Crested Flycatcher
Photo by Marta Isaacson

Early on we caught an American Redstart and just as we were processing it, the rain started.  Luckily it lasted all of a few minutes and it did not downpour.  I blame the rain for us forgetting to photograph our first bird of the fall.  

We had quite a break until the lawn care guy for a neighboring property started the mower.  LOUD!  It sent a Blue Jay into one of our nets.  The bird was born this last nesting season.  Its feathers were all new and were still growing in.  A visiting student got to see the whole banding process.

Blue Jay
Photo by Marta Isaacson

Not long after we caught an adult, female Northern Cardinal.  It was a great aging comparison, juvenile versus adult characteristics, as this bird was very worn.  She was molting body feathers but not flight feathers. It was clearly an adult who had had her feathers for a long time.  The fully orange beak also showed that it was an adult.   

We welcome Marta back after a long break.  She is traveling quite a distance to work with us.  We are hoping that we will see her when she can make the trip and that she will be able to assist on banding the Painted Buntings at locations to the south.  

Next banding session will be Tuesday, September 2.  Nets go up at 6:30 am.  It should keep improving each session as more birds migrate through or return for the winter.

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