The blog was waylaid by post-banding activities, and we just got back. Walking back from an evening adventure, we encountered several birds by the lake calling (sparrows, Hermit Thrush), looking like they were getting ready to move tonight. It’s totally calm out. Two Great-horned Owls were dueting on the other side of net seven, looking like they might have a scrap. We saw them both in separate trees. An American Dipper has been hanging out just outside of NCC property along the lakeshore.
After many days of finishing census at the lake, one’s attentions tend to wander, and just happening to have a pair of binoculars handy is a great way to look around for things to do. In this case, some rock outcroppings. So that was related to the adventure. Laurenz happened to bring his climbing equipment, of all things, for a week of bird banding. So we were good to go explore some cliffs (although quality and exact size were unknown from census, they turned out to be good).
As for banding, it was a slow start, as in an hour and a half late because of persistent north winds. When it finally died we ended up with a couple birds per round for a total of 26 banded. Laurenz brought back six in one round. Not bad for this time of year I suppose. I have a feeling with some cooler weather coming in we should have good numbers the next few days. The afternoon was totally beautiful, calm, and warm so for the time being we’ll relish that.
Highlights of the day included a Mourning Dove (rarely sighted here), an Evening Grosbeak (same, away from feeders), and a flock of 25 American Wigeon. One lonely Kestrel was all that represented our raptor totals; in fact, nobody heard nor sighted any Osprey.
I have to go and nurse my bleeding knees and knuckles.
First ascent on a 35m 5.8 on solid granite. This is like finding an albatross in the desert. CM photo.
Laurenz checking for Canyon Wrens.
A view overlooking Tatlayoko Lake and the Potato Range.
SO
| Species | Band | Recap |
| Ruby-crowned Kinglet | 10 | 1 |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | 4 | 1 |
| Orange-crowned Warbler | 3 | 1 |
| Hermit Thrush | 2 | |
| Yellow-rumped Warbler | 2 | |
| Oregon Junco | 2 | |
| Red-breasted Nuthatch | 1 | |
| Yellow Warbler | 1 | |
| Common Yellowthroat | 1 |
—
| Total banded | 26 |
| Species banded | 9 |
| Total recaptured | 3 |
| Species Recaptured | 3 |
| Census: # Species | 24 |
| Daily total: # Species | 33 |
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