Today was raw and damp with a sky that kept me guessing as to what it would do next. But I never got anything more than sprinkles of rain sporadically throughout the morning. This kind of weather makes for interesting banding. The damp misty air and dense cloud cover increase the effectiveness of our nets. The birds are more easily deceived.

I saw 5 Wild Turkeys on census today. One male was walking with quite a limp.

Several species made their debut appearance for the spring season:
Green Heron
Warbling Vireo
Black-throated Green Warbler
Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Banded 21:
2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets
1 Warbling Vireo
3 Chipping Sparrows
1 Field Sparrow
1White-throated Sparrow,
3 Eastern White-crowned Sparrows
1 Brown-headed Cowbird
9 American Goldfinches

Retrapped 20:
1 Blue Jay
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
1 American Robin
1 Northern Cardinal
1 Rose Breasted Grosbeak (Orig. banded ’06, so he has made 2 successful migrations!)
5 Chipping Sparrows
1 Field Sparrow
1 Song Sparrow
4 Brown-headed Cowbirds
3 American Goldfinches

One of the Retrapped Goldfinches was originally banded in 2005, and we have not seen him until today.

Trilliums are breaking in the valley, the Trout Lily and several kinds of violets are in bloom. Service Berry trees are in bloom, as well as a very pretty cherry tree on the North side of the mansion lawn. Grab your binoculars and go for a walk in the park this weekend!

Loretta