Even though yesterday’s banding total was a touch on the meager side, the 55 species encountered caused a stir of anticipation that perhaps the drought of birds was over, and that banding totals would rise and new species would flood into Ruthven.

Under the golden orb of the full moon the nets were opened to the accompaniment of a deafening chorus of amphibian call. American Toads, chorus frogs, and the season’s first Northern Spring Peepers were all feeling “stirrings in the loins” (to quote a famous local politico). The early fly over of a mature Bald Eagle certainly must auger well for a successful day. Once the traps were baited and set, and the opening details recorded, the wait began to see what new avian wonders the day had to offer.

Not much as it turns out.

Other than the reappearance of a Purple Martin at the martin house again, the star of the day was the season’s first Purple Finch. Although nattily attired, when one is desirous for the appearance of gaudy neotropical warblers a Purple Finch is a tad disappointing.

Banded: 22
American Goldfinch 7
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet 1
Slate-Coloured Junco 1
Chipping Sparrow 4
Field Sparrow 1
Purple Finch 1
Swamp Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 1
Red-Winged Blackbird 1
Brown-Headed Cowbird 1
American Robin 1
Mourning Dove 1

Retrapped: 9
Slate-Coloured Junco 1
Song Sparrow 2
Brown-Headed Cowbird 4
American Robin 2

ETs: 43 Species

Brian