April 22nd – Slow But Steady

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The “Larks” are all about hospitality (and increasing fat loads). What a treat to finish off the morning!! -S. Merritt

We were invaded by a flock of Larks this morning – who helped with observations, carrying bird bags and plied us with goodies and a picnic lunch. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Tree Swallows soaking up the sun’s warmth. -S. Merritt

I thought it was kind of a slow day but when Kim and I tallied everything up at the end of the morning it turns out we had handled 67 birds: 31 banded and 36 retraps. Interestingly, goldfinch numbers were down (as they have been for the past couple of days) but Yellow-rumped Warblers were common in the woods (but stayed high so we didn’t catch any) and White-throated Sparrows provided a lively chorus as I was opening the nets. So things are on the move. Further attesting to this were the sightings of the first Spotted Sandpipers and Broad-winged Hawk of the year.
First Broad-winged Hawk of the year. -s. Merritt

Banded 31:
3 Mourning Doves
2 Tree Swallows
5 Blue Jays
1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
1 American Robin
2 Chipping Sparrows
2 Field Sparrows
1 Swamp Sparrow
6 White-throated Sparrows
White-morph White-throated Sparrow – one of 6 we banded today. -AAW

1 Red-winged Blackbird
1 Brown-headed Cowbird
6 American Goldfinches

ET’s: 54 spp.

Photo Gallery:

One of 5 Blue Jays banded today. -AAW

Chipping Sparrows have figured out that the ground traps have lots of food….and the humans working them are benign. -AAW

Male Mourning Dove moulting into breeding plumage. -AAW

Helen releasing an American Robin. -C. Badger

Katie putting in an appearance before heading off to the East Coast where she will be studying sharks for the Summer. -C. Badger

Spring Beauties are in bloom. -C. Badger

At Fern Hill Burlington one of the nest boxes has 4 bluebird eggs. -KAP

Nancy lucked out with a Long-eared Owl in her front yard this morning!! -NRF

The arrival of female Red-winged Blackbirds has generated a lot of excitement. -S. Merritt

It’s difficult to tell the “local” Turkey Vultures from those just passing through. -S. Merritt

White-throated Sparrows and Yellow-rumped Warblers were common today. -S. Merritt

Noah releasing a Mourning Dove. -S. Merritt

Madison releasing a goldfinch she has just banded. -S. Merritt

Another goldfinch being released – an activity for all ages. -S. Merritt

A visitor from Selkirk with the first bird she has had the chance to hold. -S. Merritt

In the absence of Purple Martins, Tree Swallows are checking out the gourds. -S. Merritt

Sitting on a tombstone, an Eastern Bluebird contemplates the mystery of it all. -S. Merritt

Rick

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