Marnie was hoping to catch one of these turkeys…… -KMP
Today was quite mild, but rather breezy with a bit of light rain early on. One of the first birds we saw this morning was a Red-tailed Hawk flying overhead. Unusual for first thing in the morning. Another unusual raptor sighting was a Merlin that was spotted on census. Hundreds of Common Grackles and other blackbirds moving along the treeline behind the meadow had us slightly concerned about how many we might find in the nets, but it turned out only a couple of Grackles found their way in to stay. We saw a couple more free themselves from nets as we approached and suspect that many others did the same. Many of the birds handled were carrying quite good fat loads including the same Red-eyed Vireo that was retrapped yesterday and a lovely Tennessee Warbler retrap. These straggling long distance migrants should soon be on their way south. Or maybe they are enjoying the mild weather.
This American Robin was banded in 2015; it was at least 2 years old at the time. -MMG
This male House Finch was originally banded in December of last year. -MMG
Banded 37:
1 Downy Woodpecker
1 Black-capped Chickadee
The long, curved bill of the Brown Creeper allows it to probe under tree bark for insects and insect eggs. -KMP
2 Brown Creepers
1 Golden-crowned Kinglet
6 Ruby-crowned Kinglets
2 American Robins
6 Myrtle Warblers
1 Chipping Sparrow
2 Song Sparrows
1 Swamp Sparrow
6 White-throated Sparrows
AHY male Dark-eyed Junco. -KMP
2 Slate-Coloured Juncos
Just two of hundreds of Common Grackles that were around the site this morning. -MMG
2 Common Grackles
4 American Goldfinches
Make no mistake – this grackle has the bill of a predator. -MMG
ET’s: 40 spp.
Karen’s Kreeping Korner:
A pair of Clouded Sulphur Butterflies in the Meadow. -KMP
The Meadow and trails are festooned with these Woolly Bear caterpillars. -KMP
Marnie