As Ruthven’s spring migration monitoring season enters its last week it would be reasonable to assume that things would be winding down and species numbers would drop as the birds traveling northwards continued on their journey. Not so today at least as 67 species were recorded, including the season’s first Common Nighthawk. There were a few surprises – including a Common Loon heading south along the river, apparently stymied by high fuel costs and the exchange rate on the Canadian dollar – and a Hooded Merganser. The latter most likely nesting nearby in either a natural tree cavity or one of the nest boxes.

Along with diversity, Ruthven was additionally the scene of celebration as the Campanelli family hosted a joint birthday party for Ezra and Giovanni. The horde of enthusiastic and voluble friends and family made for an entertaining day. It was, however, tinged with sadness as Rick had to leave before the cake was served. He was so distraught that, when waving his goodbyes to me from the open window of his speeding car, he forgot to open his hand in the traditional gesture, though some observers seem to think he may have managed to extend at least one finger. In his honor I managed to devour his share of the birthday cake as I’m sure he was worried it may have gone to waste.

Banded: 24
Magnolia Warbler 1
American Goldfinch 1
Mourning Warbler 1 (naturally, before Giovanni arrived)
Common Yellowthroat 1
Blackpoll Warbler 3
Willow Flycatcher 1
Yellow Warbler 1
Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher 1
Eastern Wood Pewee 1
Indigo Bunting 2
Cedar Waxwing 3
Song Sparrow 1
Eastern Kingbird 1
Rose-Breasted Grosbeak 2
American Robin 2
Yellow-Billed Cuckoo 1
Common Grackle 1

Retrapped: 14
American Goldfinch 1
Yellow Warbler 1
Black-Capped Chickadee 1
Indigo Bunting 1
Orchard Oriole 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Brown-Headed Cowbird 4
Song Sparrow 1
Grey Catbird 1
Baltimore Oriole 1
Rose-Breasted Grosbeak 1

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