October 18, 2016

This regular Tuesday session of banding at Possum Long was a good one.  After banding 10 Gray Catbirds last week it is amazing that we did not band any new ones this week.  However we did band 7 species and 12 individuals.

Non-warbler birds were another Northern Cardinal and another Swainson's Thrush.  Glad to have these birds around.  There's always something to see on every bird.  The spectacle on the thrush is a great field mark for this species and is very different when seen up close.

Swainson's Thrush

We also banded our second ever Rose-breasted Grosbeak.  We photographed one last week but this one we got to band!  Compare the photos.  It looks like this one is a different bird.  This bird is also a young male.  Some of its black plumage was in.  The red/dark rose chest isn't too developed but the red underwing linings look quite bright.  Yes, the big bill is challenging but how many people can say they were bit by a Rose-breasted Grosbeak?  

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

The rest of the birds banded were warblers.  We had two Common Yellowthroats, two Northern Parulas, one Magnolia Warbler, and four Black-throated Blue Warblers.  These birds will soon move on and most warblers will be Palm and Yellow-rumped.  

Black-throated Blue Warbler (male Appalachian subspecies)

Northern Parula

Magnolia Warbler

Common Yellowthroats

Photo by Pete Grannis

The photo Pete took of the Common Yellowthroats is a great comparison of an adult male and a young male born this past summer.  The young male's face mask is just a shadow of what it will be.  

Next Possum Long banding will be on Tuesday, October 25.  Nets go up at 7 am.