September 3 and 4, 2016

We visited PB 60 on Saturday, September 3.  They had the first Painted Bunting to return (7/31) plus had more buntings on the property both unbanded and banded (2).  As in previous "early bird" attempts, we saw them but did not catch any.

We did however have 8 incidental captures.  After our visit there the hosts actually saw a Red-headed Woodpecker at their yard!  We banded 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2 Blue Jays, 2 Mourning Doves, 2 American Redstarts, and 1 Northern Cardinal.

Blue Jay molting head feathers

and tail feathers

Mourning Dove

born recently as told by the edging on the wing coverts

Red-bellied Woodpecker

molting male

Northern Cardinal

molting head feathers

American Redstart

female born this past summer (limited yellow patch in wing)

Red-bellied Woodpecker visitor

Photo by PB 60 host

On the September 4, we banded at Possum Long.  These training sessions are important so we can be fully ready for the migrants that will arrive.  As noted above, some like the American Redstarts are present already.  We banded 3 birds.  The Ovenbird is a migrant.  The Blue Jay and Northern Cardinal are likely resident.  We also detected the Carolina Wren again.  Hope it remains!

Ovenbird

Blue Jay

born this past summer - note fleshy gape on the bill, feathers still molting in

Next banding:  Weather permitting is September 13.  Not being triskaidekaphobic I am hoping it will be our lucky opening day.  Nets open at 6:30 am.