The star of the Fall has to be the Bobolink. They are attracted to the prairie grasses and we’ve seen up to 100 – and banded 80. -KDC
We’ve been busy, banding on 6 of the last 7 days. Each day is different both in terms of numbers banded and in the variety of birds seen at the site. But two species have been consistent: Bobolinks and Indigo Buntings. Part of the prairie field was mown with a wide swath left down the middle (more or less) and another along the pond/woodland edge. We cut 2 net lanes through the middle swath and they have been very effective catching Bobolinks and, to a lesser degree, Indigo Buntings – we’re also picking the latter up in nets along the edge. Both species are seed-eaters; the Bobolinks are fattening up for the long journey to Argentina and the buntings are finishing off their moults before heading for southern Florida and Central America.
One of the two “meadow” nets. -MEG
And the field has LOTS of food!
The field shortly after mowing; note how thick the windrows are. DOL
The field after baling. the thick grasses yielded 25 big round bales. -MEG
Below, to simplify things (for me), I’ll list the birds banded each day and throw in a few pictures. We’ve had a number of very helpful volunteers…who also take good photos.
On good weather days we’ve had the luxury of banding outside. Here Elaine is scribing for Andy. -DOL
September 5th; Banded 45:
2 Yellow-bellied Flycatchers
Yellow-bellied flycatcher -KMP
1 Least Flycatcher
1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
1 House Wren
4 Song Sparrows
2 Swamp Sparrows
23 Bobolinks
3 Common Yellowthroats
1 Wilson’s Warbler
7 Indigo Buntings
ET’s: 34 spp.
September 6th; Banded 12:
1 House Wren
4 Song Sparrows
1 Swamp Sparrow
1 Savannah Sparrow
2 Bobolinks
3 Indigo Buntings
ET’s: 19 spp.
September 7th; Banded 49:
2 Eastern Wood-pewee
1 Traill’s Flycatcher
2 Least Flycatchers
1 Warbling Vireo
Warbling Vireo -KMP
1 Gray Catbird
4 American Goldfinches
American Goldfiches, late nesters, are starting to show up. -KDC
5 Song Sparrows
1 Swamp Sparrow
17 Bobolinks
2 Tennessee Warblers
1 Nashville Warbler
5 Common Yellowthroats
1 Blackpoll Warbler
3 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
3 Indigo Buntings
Liam showing the rose-coloured underwing of a young (HY) Rose-breasted Grosbeak. -KDC
ET’s: 42 spp.
September 8th; Banded 10:
2 Song Sparrows
4 Bobolinks
1 Common Yellowthroat
3 Indigo Buntings
ET’s: 36 spp.
September 9th; Banded 31:
1 Gray Catbird
2 American Goldfinches
1 Song Sparrow
1 Lincoln’s Sparrow
9 Bobolinks
1 Nashville Warbler
3 Common Yellowthroats
13 Indigo Buntings
ET’s: 24 spp.
This Great Egret was along the river on the 7th. -JC
Liam busts a few moves with the girl of his dreams. -KDC
Rick