April 15
The day started out with a wind warning from Environment Canada, but we are lucky to be pretty sheltered from the wind because of the topography of the banding site and surrounding area. Thankfully we were able to band, although the wind was starting to get very intense right as we finished up. Overall it was fairly productive for being a windy early-season day (banding list below). We have had a lot of unseasonably cold and windy weather lately, which has likely been putting a hold on migration to some extent. However, we have still been enjoying catching some early season migrants, as well as recapturing some resident birds from previous years. It’s always nice to see that our resident birds made it through the winter and are getting ready for another breeding season. We have a pair of Eastern Phoebes currently working on building a nest under the bridge at the site. It will be interesting to watch their nest progress.
Slate-colored Junco
Beautiful ‘White morph’ White-throated Sparrow
1st Myrtle Warbler banded for the season!
Banded:
2 Golden-crowned Kinglet
3 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
1 Eastern Phoebe
1 Black-capped Chickadee
1 Myrtle Warbler
2 Slate-colored Junco
2 White-throated Sparrow
1 Song Sparrow
1 Blue Jay
1 American Robin
Recaps:
4 Black-capped Chickadee
1 American Tree Sparrow
2 Slate-colored Junco
1 Blue Jay
1 White-throated Sparrow
1 Song Sparrow
TOTAL: 25 (15 banded, 10 recaps)
April 22
The weather seems like maybe it is finally starting to warm up a little. Today was sunny and calm… a beautiful day to spend at the banding site. As we arrived at the site in the morning, we were greeted by the sound of our resident male Ruffed Grouse doing his drumming display, and an energetic flock of kinglets hanging out near the banding station. We did end up catching a few of these kinglets later in the morning (see full banding list below).
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Male American Goldfinch, so close to being completely molted into his bright yellow and black breeding plumage!
American Tree Sparrow. Notice the unique looking bi-colored bill which is a useful ID feature for this species.
Banded:
3 Golden-crowned Kinglet
4 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
1 American Goldfinch
3 Slate-colored Junco
1 American Tree Sparrow
Recaps:
3 Black-capped Chickadee
1 Carolina Wren
1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
2 White-throated Sparrow
1 American Tree Sparrow
2 Slate-colored Junco
1 Northern Cardinal
TOTAL: 23 (12 banded, 11 recaps)
Although we didn’t catch a high diversity of species, the number of species we’re observing each time we go out seems to be rising, which is a sign that spring migration will soon be in full swing. Another sign that perhaps spring is finally here to stay, is the first ephemeral spring wildflowers are beginning to bloom. Only a few are blooming right now, but soon they will be covering the forest floor. I love watching the forest begin to come alive again in spring!
Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum)
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Early Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum giganteum) – it is not technically a true ephemeral wildflower but it is still among the earliest flowers and a favorite of native bees.