Even with the nets being opened at first light there was still a’ heaviness’ to the air quality. Usually, early morning is a time to enjoy the cool, clear air and, to enjoy a beautiful sunrise with a variety of birds starting their morning chorus. This morning, the first net round was an indication of what was to come for the morning banding – very few new birds ! The wheel had fallen off from the variety and the number of birds handled just from yesterday (Sunday).
There was a large number of visitors and families coming to the lab today to see the birds and learn more about the banding program at Ruthven. The Campanelli family came to visit today – bringing a coffee and a muffin for Rick (who was away today) . When you have an early start to the morning a coffee and a muffin always taste good (thank you Anne and Lorenzo). Other families came today and I always had help on my net rounds with the birds being carried back to the lab.

Banded – 20
Traill’s Flycatcher – 1
Gray Catbird – 3
Yellow Warbler – 2
Magnolia Warbler – 1
American Redstart – 1
Canada Warbler – 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak – 1
Indigo Bunting – 1
Song Sparrow – 2
Brown-headed Cowbird – 1
American Goldfinch – 6

Retrapped: 7
House Wren – 1
Gray Catbird – 3
Song Sparrow – 3

ET’s – 60 spp.

Nancy