Ruthven – MAPS banding report June 26, 2006

Under an overcast sky the third MAPS banding session was undertaken on June 26th at Ruthven. The threat of precipitation was in the air, as too were vast quantities of falling caterpillar poop and leaf debris from the tent caterpillar infestation that has blighted the local forest. The cuckoos seemed to be having an easy time of finding food however.

Banded 21: BWWA, BCCH 2, YWAR 3, REVI 2, SOSP, DOWO, GRCA 4, BHCO, RBGR 2, YBCU, AMRO, RBWO, MODO

Retrapped 12: REVI 2, GRCA 3, RBGR 2, NOCA, BAOR, YWAR 2, SOSP

The most enchanting capture of the day however could not be banded as the bird in question was too small. A young Mourning Dove, flying on more prayer than wing, was captured in Net 10. Endowed with a gormless innocence, it decided that the whole experience of being captured could be improved with a better view. He then promptly walked up my arm and perched on my shoulder…only becoming disgruntled when I evicted him (don’t think he was potty trained). Perhaps he mistook me for a pirate. Polly want cracked corn? Just doesn’t fly….

First fledged Black-capped Chickadee of the season.

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