The second MAPS session took place today and Ruthven is beginning to resemble an avian nursery. Young Song Sparrows, Eastern Phoebe and Downy Woodpeckers were all in evidence and several more common species, most notably Yellow Warblers, were unusually quiet – this being an indication that the parent birds are busy feeding nestlings.

One of the more enjoyable aspects of banding is the unpredictability. You never really know what you are going to catch – or not catch depending upon your luck – on any given day. Today’s surprise was the capture of a male American Woodcock. With their large eyes, upside down brain, and quaint habit of looking for love in damp, dark places while plaintively “peent”ing (much like my early dating attempts I’m afraid) the woodcock has to be one of my most favourite birds. This was the first one banded at Ruthven this season.

Banded: 15
American Goldfinch 3
House Wren 1
Eastern Phoebe 3
Eastern Wood Pewee 1
Song Sparrow 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
American Robin 1
Red-Winged Blackbird 1
American Woodcock 1

Retrapped: 18
Blue-Winged Warbler 1
Eastern Wood Pewee 1
Yellow Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 1
Indigo Bunting 1
Field Sparrow 1
Eastern Bluebird 1
Song Sparrow 4
Downy Woodpecker 1
White-Breasted Nuthatch 1 (banded as a HY in 2004)
Grey Catbird 1
Red-Winged Blackbird 2
Rose-Breasted Grosbeak 1

Brian