Yesterday was quite busy in the early morning. We banded a Northern Cardinal and a Painted Bunting. We are so happy to now have 2 new caged platform feeders and the buntings are using them. Two more are on the way! Three of these new feeders are thanks to the efforts of Bruce and Pat Marshall. In time, Possum Long will be THE public place in the area to observe Painted Buntings. We recaptured a green that we originally banded in December. (The feeders are working!)
We also recaptured a Gray Catbird from November. It is amazing how scarce this species has been this winter. We did have one big catbird day last fall so maybe some will pass back through in the near future.
The rest of the morning we listed birds on the property. Pete found a Magnolia Warbler which is likely an early migrant. They are not a species that typically over-winter here. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet was a first for the property since we have been doing monitoring. It is hard to add new ones to the list (which is over 100).
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (not the one at Possum Long though)
Photo by Larry Umthun
Picture taking was at an all time low. I think we were so fascinated by watching a Red-shouldered Hawk devour some prey. Looking for birds and trying to photograph an ever moving chicken also kept us busy! Our resident not-wild Wild Turkey now has a new companion.
Next banding: Tuesday February 24. Nets open at 6:15. Visitors are welcome. We have some nets to hang and inspect. If we are not too busy we will be doing this. This is a great opportunity to learn how to help put up and take down nets!!!
Interesting that you don't have RCKIs there. So used to them all over here all season.
ReplyDeleteThey are around our area in very small numbers but had not been seen on the property (too suburban??). I have extracted them before but would love to band one. I love the soles of their feet. Is there a time when you mostly get them? How often do you get T Titmouse?
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