November 15 and 16, 2016

Thank you to all of our readers.  We are very close to 30,000 views of posts on this blog.  Over 374 in one day recently!  It's nice to know that our efforts are being shared.

Our regular Tuesday banding was visited by Molly Bartels, photojournalist for the Stuart News.  We made the front page (above the fold!) and had a great time as always with Molly.

http://www.tcpalm.com/picture-gallery/news/local/martin-county/2016/11/15/bird-banding-at-possum-long-nature-preserve-in-stuart/93919038/

I'm not sure how long this link is live but Molly took some wonderful photos of the birds and banding process.

The excitement for the day was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet.  This species is only around in the winter and is not all that common especially so near to downtown.  It was a new species to be banded at Possum Long.  The red on the head is typically hidden so we moved a few feathers for the photo and to enjoy the "crown" of the kinglet.  This bird is so small - only weighing 6 grams which is just about the weight of a nickel!  Look at the soles of the feet - so bright!

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

We also banded 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers, a Gray Catbird, a Palm Warbler, and a Northern Cardinal.  

Northern Cardinal

Yellow-rumped Warbler

I'd also like to share a photo sent to me by my friend Kathy Malone.  She was visiting recently and found a banded Northern Parula at Possum Long.  Her photo is exquisite!  Can you see the band? (Hint - right leg!)

Northern Parula

Photo by Kathy Malone

On November 16, we banded Painted Buntings at PB 2.  We banded 8 Painted Buntings and 2 Northern Cardinals.  We also recaptured an already banded Painted Bunting from Season 3.  

Next banding will be announced soon.  We have some Painted Bunting dates and then Thanksgiving. We will not be at Possum Long on November 22.  Watch upcoming posts.