February 11, 2014

Another session at Possum Long and this one was almost all about Gray Catbirds.  We caught and banded 4 of them.  Several were starting to show signs of gathering fat.  Last year we noticed an increase in Gray Catbirds around this time so one can wonder if they have moved north to here, adding fat to do so, or did they just come to Possum Long to feast on the coffee berries and fatten up for travel in the near future?  Time may tell us more.

We did have one other capture this week.  A Northern Parula made an appearance.

Northern Parula

Photo by Jane Wiewora

Notice the tail has several large white spots.  This indicates an adult male still in non-breeding plumage.  

Northern Parula

Photo by Jane Wiewora

We do use reference books to check out these birds.  This parula was checking it out too.

We also recaptured a green Painted Bunting today.  In fact it was the color banded one from December 17.  

Painted Bunting

Photo by Jane Wiewora

Its band combination is Split (black/white split indicates banded in FL) over orange on the left and orange over silver (federal band) on the right.

Northern Mockingbirds are singing like crazy.  There was a pair of Mottled Ducks on the pond and two pair of Wood Ducks.  There was also a big ruckus by possible nesting Red-shouldered Hawks.  One appeared to be eating a frog.  Looks like the birds are thinking spring.  Are you?

NEXT SESSION:  If things continue much like last year, we won't get much migrant action until somewhere between the end of February to the middle of March.  We will skip next week and the next session at Possum Long will be on February 25.  Nets will go up at 6:30 am.  Watch here in case something changes.

Yes, weather permitting (no rain) we will band on 2/25.  I was left a comment with no way to answer that person.  So, people who wish to visit should be able to find us somewhere on the property (make sure you check Hibiscus Street too).  We hear Gray Catbirds are on the move and they are typically in the nets early.  I am hearing a few "new" warblers - saw a Black-and-white and a Northern Parula (in fact it was singing) but no assurance that they will go in the nets.  This is just the beginning - each week should be a bit more busy.  -NL