After being rained out Friday it was rather fitting that waterfowl were so much in evidence. Large flocks of ducks swirled around in front of the mansion just after dawn, with smaller flocks coming and going throughout the day. Northern Pintail were again the most numerous with just over a hundred being estimated. In all 10 species of waterfowl were recorded, including the season’s first Northern Shovellers.

Tree Swallows too seemed on the move. Flocks were observed feeding over the river, around Slink’s Island, and easily enough to spot, right over the parking lot. A lone Northern Rough-Winged Swallow, the first of the season, was spotted around the island.

Banding was slow however, despite the arrival of the season’s first Ruby-Crowned Kinglets and Swamp Sparrows. After a promising first round the wind picked up and the sky clouded over, inhibiting much small bird movement.

Also new for the season (but not the year I think), was American Kestrel.

Banded: 15
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet 2
Slate-Coloured Junco 7
Field Sparrow 1
House Finch 1 ( in a ground trap)
Swamp Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 2

Retrapped: 14
Black-Capped Chickadee 4
Slate-Coloured Junco 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Brown-Headed Cowbird 2
Song Sparrow 3
American Robin 1

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