August 25, 2015 Red Letter (Bird?) Day

It really should have started with a parade and some fanfare but alas, it was actually 3 people with headlamps setting up nets.  Today was opening session for our fourth fall banding season.

We did not expect a lot today as migrants are just starting to move through in small numbers.  We did have a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher on the property today but the rest were typical residents.

The fun was the presence of young birds born this spring/summer.  We captured three Northern Cardinals today - an adult female and 2 young males.  All three had new feathers growing in.  Can you spot the feather still in sheath?

Northern Cardinal

Photo by Nancy LaFramboise

Northern Cardinal

Photo by Jane Wiewora

Northern Cardinal

Photo by Jane Wiewora

Next banding session:  Tuesday, September 1.  Nets go up around 6:30 am.  Remember this is weather dependent - rain cancels banding.