The early morning was delightful: cool with blue skies and some bird songs. But it soon heated up and the wind, which switched to the SW pushed in the humidity. But we had started and it felt good. The first round, in the cool, produced a couple of warblers, including a male Mourning Warbler – always a treat. But numbers trailed off noticeably as the morning proceeded and it was quickly apparent that the movement that we’d witnessed yesterday was not happening today. So….you just make do.
Karen brought in her Monarch Butterfly “farm”. She had Monarchs at all stages of development, from eggs through instars to pupae to emerged adults. These latter she released in Carol’s garden. I wonder if they’ll make it to Mexico – they better hurry before the Wall’s built! Later in the morning she went through the Butterfly Meadow and brought back more Milkweed plants with eggs and tiny instars to add to the farm. What a fascinating project!
Ethan, just recently returned from a shorebird project on James Bay, threw down the gauntlet. Normally we’re not into “competitive birding” but sometimes the challenge can be fun. He wants to set the Ruthven record for the most species on a Fall census. He turned up 32 this morning thus setting the bar (rather low I would say…but hey, I’m not competitive at all…). You’re welcome to take him on, er, do the census when you get a chance. Ethan will be leading the census hike at the Bird Festival – Saturday, October 20th.
Banded 24:
1 Downy Woodpecker
1 Eastern Wood-pewee
1 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
2 Blue Jays
1 House Wren
1 Carolina Wren
1 Gray Catbird
3 Red-eyed Vireos
1 Nashville Warbler
1 Black and White Warbler
2 American Redstarts
1 Mourning Warbler
2 Common Yellowthroats
1 Northern Cardinal
2 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
1 Field Sparrow
2 American Goldfinches
ET’s: 50 spp.
Photos:
Rick