February 19, 2018

On February 19 we returned to PB 5.  It is one of the few locations where a very close neighbor is also feeding Painted Buntings.  We set up in both yards.  Despite the wind, we managed to band quite a few birds including 4 Painted Buntings and 1 Indigo Bunting.  We have come to this location every year in the study and it is always a pleasure! 

male Painted Bunting

Photo by Bill LaFramboise

Indigo Bunting (young male)

Photo by Bill LaFramboise

One of the missions of a bander is to educate and inspire.  The host at PB5 invited her grandchildren and we had a very good time talking about birds and butterflies.  One can hope that our mission was accomplished.  Hi to these young ladies and we hope you enjoy reading about the birds you saw banded.

Pete Grannis showing the girls what we do - Photo by Grandma

I love that children are so interested!  - Photo by Grandma

We also captured a few incidental birds.  We banded 4 Red-bellied Woodpeckers and really enjoyed aging these, 1 Blue Jay, and 1 Mourning Dove. 3 Northern Cardinals, and 1 Pine Warbler.

Pine Warbler

Photo by Bill LaFramboise

Mourning Dove

 Photo by Bill LaFramboise

Red-bellied Woodpeckers - comparing 2 wings

Photo by PB5 host

Blue Jay

Photo by PB5 host