September 24, 2013

One of the biggest challenges of banding in south Florida is dodging the rain.  Another is having tall trees and species that like the treetops.  We have been anticipating more birds (for days) and today it happened only to be rained out and/or some of the birds of the early morning decided to move on.

We were only open about two hours but in that short time we banded six birds.  When we first arrived the chip/call notes of warblers seemed to be everywhere.  We saw at least 4 Cape May Warblers but that species still eludes banding here.  Our first two birds were warblers: a Hooded Warbler and Ovenbird.  I really need to find out how Andrew takes such good pictures of birds in his own hand!

Hooded Warbler

The next bird completed the thrush family.  Last fall and this spring we had all the others (Swainson's, Hermit, Bicknell's, and Gray-cheeked) but we were missing Veery.  Now this species is on the Possum Long property list and my banding life list (#75).

Veery

Photo by Nancy Price

Veery

Photo by Nancy Price

You can see the reddish color surrounding the spotting indicating Veery.  The spots on the coverts lets us age this bird as a hatch year.  

We got a second Ovenbird and as we were about to release it two birds hit the net near us.  A Red-bellied Woodpecker and a Mourning Dove.  Both are big birds and capable of escaping the nets before getting truly caught.  Though they are fairly common on the property this is only the second Red-bellied and third Mourning Dove we have banded.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

both photos by Jane Wiewora

Sometimes not evident in the field, you can see the red belly when the bird is in hand.  

We will attempt to have a few nets out tomorrow.  We will meet at 7 am.