April 27th – Bits and Pieces

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A great shot of a White-throated Sparrow by Peter Thoem. There have been a LOT of them around Ruthven for the past two days. -P. Thoem
A great shot of a White-throated Sparrow by Peter Thoem. There have been a LOT of them around Ruthven for the past two days. -P. Thoem

Cold last night with a heavy frost that greatly slowed the opening of the nets. Frustratingly slow as there were a good number of White-throated Sparrows singing along the edges. As well as the White-throats we saw the first White-crowned Sparrows of the year…and even caught and banded one. There was a mixed flock of over 20 birds foraging in the grass in front of the Mansion.
White-throated Sparrow foraging on the lawn in front of the Mansion. -P. Thoem
White-throated Sparrow foraging on the lawn in front of the Mansion. -P. Thoem

A nesting Canada Goose and a Greater Yellowlegs, still 1,000+ kilometers away from nesting. -P. Thoem
A nesting Canada Goose and a Greater Yellowlegs, still 1,000+ kilometers away from nesting. -P. Thoem

The river has been going down for a few days now. As it does a gravel bar emerges just 50 meters offshore and a little ahead of Slink Island. There is a great vantage point overlooking it. At this time of year it can be a good place to see shorebirds. Today we had Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and Spotted Sandpipers there. You just never know what you might find.
As the river recedes the gravel bar off Slink Island emerges. 5 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Lesser Yellowlegs took advantage of it this morning.
As the river recedes the gravel bar off Slink Island emerges. 5 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Lesser Yellowlegs took advantage of it this morning.

2 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Lesser Yellowlegs on the gravel bar just above Slink Island. -P Thoem
2 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Lesser Yellowlegs on the gravel bar just above Slink Island. -P Thoem

Sadly, I have to report that the Killdeer nest has been predated. Hard to know who the culprit was but there was the faint scent of fox musk in the air in its vicinity this morning. It will be interesting to see if the pair tries again….
Lauren with 2 male Brown-headed Cowbirds that she took from Ruthven yesterday to Western's Field Station. Note the purple bands. These 2 plus Eddie (with an orange band) were released last night at 5:07.
Lauren with 2 male Brown-headed Cowbirds that she took from Ruthven yesterday to Western’s Field Station. Note the purple bands. These 2 plus Eddie (with an orange band) were released last night at 5:07.

Eddie now has company. Lauren Witterick from the University of Western took a batch (48) of Brown-heded Cowbirds back to London yesterday. She kept 45 and released 3 males after putting purple colour bands on two of them for easy recognition. The third bird was…..Eddie. Yes, we sent Eddie back to school The three were released at 5:07 yesterday afternoon. Around 11 this morning, Eddie showed up in a trap back here at Ruthven. I mean, Eddie, c’mon; how can I miss you if you don’t go away. I think Eddie has earned the right to stay here – no more travels to Western for him.

Banded 29:
1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
2 Hermit Thrushes
1 Yellow-rumped Warbler
3 Chipping Sparrows
2 Swamp Sparrows
12 White-throated Sparrows
1 Eastern White-crowned Sparrow
4 Brown-headed Cowbirds
2 American Goldfinches

ET’s: 55 spp.

Some of Fern Hill's Young Ornithologists at work: Melissa, Pari, and Madeline. -J. Chard
Some of Fern Hill’s Young Ornithologists at work: Melissa, Pari, and Madeline. -J. Chard

Fern Hill School – Burlington:
Today we handled 22 birds.
Banded 12:
1 Song Sparrow
3 White-throated Sparrows
2 Red-winged Blackbirds
2 House Finches
4 American Goldfinches

ET’s: 40 spp.

Photo Gallery:

On the wing. -A. Ward
On the wing. -A. Ward

Male Eastern Bluebird. -A. Ward
Male Eastern Bluebird. -A. Ward

Female Eastern Bluebird. -A. Ward
Female Eastern Bluebird. -A. Ward

Rusty Blackbird - an uncommon special treat at Ruthven. -P. Thoem
Rusty Blackbird – an uncommon special treat at Ruthven. -P. Thoem

We banded another fine male Yellow-rumped Warbler today.
We banded another fine male Yellow-rumped Warbler today.

Rick

2 thoughts on “April 27th – Bits and Pieces”

  1. Buddy Myles

    Love reading the stories and seeing the photos everyday. Hopefully I cna make it up there for a visit. Would love to explore the grounds and see you guys in action. Keep up the awesome reports and love for our feathered friends 🙂

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