The scattered overnight showers missed Ruthven but did appear to bring a few migrants in their wake. White-Throated Sparrows were more numerous, and House Wrens have arrived, although they were oddly quiet.

A few non-bird species also made their seasonal debut. A Grey Treefrog was calling from the fallen tree at the side of the mansion, and a Common Green Darner (itself a migratory species that overwinters along the Gulf of Mexico) and some Spring Azures were observed.

An oddity of today was not one but two “foreign” banded birds were captured at Ruthven. One was an American Goldfinch, the other a Black-Capped Chickadee. Details have been sent in to the banding lab and will be reported once the information is delivered.

Banded: 25
American Goldfinch 1
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet 1
House Wren 3
Chipping Sparrow 2
White-Throated Sparrow 4
Brown-Headed Cowbird 4
Song Sparrow 1
White-Breasted Nuthatch 1
Red-Winged Blackbird 5
American Robin 1
Blue Jay 1
Mourning Dove 1

Retrapped: 10
American Goldfinch 1 (2440-97107)
Black-Capped Chickadee 1 (2500-92142)
Slate-Coloured Junco 1 (looking out of place as the weather gauge registered 30.8C near noon)
Tree Swallow 1
Brown-Headed Cowbird 2
Song Sparrow 1
White-Breasted Nuthatch 1
American Robin 2

ETs 42 species

Brian