We banded at PB 1 on January 5. We banded 4 new Painted Buntings and recaptured 3. Remember recapture data tells us a lot about plumage, age, and survival.
We could have had an interesting capture but unfortunately we did not catch the bird. PB 1 was hosting a Dickcissel for a few days. The bird even entered the trap but did not set off the treadle. Seeing it and photographing it has to suffice.
Dickcissel at PB1
On January 7 we ventured to a new host site, PB 73, where we saw buntings but were unable to catch any. The yard configuration, wind, and lighting alerted the buntings to the net. We have provided this site with a temporary caged feeder in the hopes that they will use that and we can trap there. In the meantime, several other species hit the nets. We banded 3 House Sparrows, 2 Red-winged Blackbirds, and a Palm Warbler.
House Sparrow
Photo by Bill LaFramboise
This male's throat will become much more black not by molting but by wear. You can see some black under the white at the bottom center of this photo. The white wears off, revealing the full black throat.
Red-winged Blackbird
Photo by Bill LaFramboise
Palm Warbler
Photo by Bill LaFramboise
On January 8 we returned to PB 2. We had hoped to visit earlier but the weather has been uncooperative to say the least. We managed to band 5 new Painted Buntings and recapture 1 from a previous year before it rained. We hope to return later on to band more of the unbanded birds that are there.
Painted Bunting
Photo by Bill LaFramboise
Painted Bunting
Photo by Bill LaFramboise
If all goes well and weather cooperates, we hope to be back at the Possum Long Banding Station on February 13. In the meantime we will be at more Painted Bunting locations and will update here.
Painted Bunting Season 5 total: 80
Thanks for the update.
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