Despite the snowbanks lingering and cold, windy days predominating, there’s an anticipation of warmer weather coming. Even though the temperatures were below freezing today, the breeze was light and the two net lanes are sheltered and it was ideal to open nets. You could feel the warmth of the sun and all I wanted to do was bask in the sun’s warmth while I was extracting birds. The nets are located next to the feeders which attract a number of wintering birds as well as returning new birds for the season. A highlight today was the first sighting and banding of Red-winged Blackbirds.

Banded 10:
3 American Tree Sparrows
1 Dark-eyed Junco
3 American Goldfinches
1 Hairy Woodpecker ( I enjoyed handling this bird)
2 Red-winged Blackbirds (a treat for the day)

Retrapped 16:
1 Downy Woodpecker
4 Black-capped Chickadee
8 American Tree Sparrows
2 Dark-eyed Juncos
1 House Finch

Nancy