For the first time this morning we had to shake frost off the nets during opening round. The first frost is always a good sign for a migration monitor – it brings with it the promise of new birds. Species diversity was back up in the 50s after a bit of a slump this past week, including two new species for the season on census!
It seems that the colder weather has refueled Warbling Vireo, Swainson’s Thrush and Cedar Waxwing numbers, as they were yet again dominating the obs. Lincoln’s Sparrow and Yellow-rumped Warbler numbers are noticeably on the rise, both very common birds later on in the season.
Census was productive this morning, especially due to a large mixed flock of warblers, vireos, thrush just after the banding station. Mid-way through census there were a few warblers mixed in with a flock of chickadees, including a Nashville Warbler. Nashvilles aren’t common in the valley — this was only our second record since 2008! We found our second new species for this season down at the lagoon — can you guess what it is?
Banding numbers picked up as well today, though the species we were catching have been consistent with the past week. Warbling Vireos and Swainson’s Thrush were our top catches. A reasonable proportion of birds caught were recaptures today, including lots of Song Sparrows still in juvenile plumage.
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Species | Band | Recap |
Warbling Vireo | 8 | |
Swainson’s Thrush | 7 | |
Yellow Warbler | 5 | 1 |
Song Sparrow | 4 | 5 |
Lincoln’s Sparrow | 2 | 2 |
Orange-crowned Warbler | 2 | |
Wilson’s Warbler | 2 | |
Savannah Sparrow | 1 | 2 |
Cedar Waxwing | 1 | 1 |
Common Yellowthroat | 1 | 1 |
Willow Flycatcher | 1 | |
Dusky Flycatcher | 1 | |
Northern Waterthrush | 1 | |
MacGillivray’s Warbler | 1 | |
Western Tanager | 1 | |
Red-eyed Vireo | 1 |
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Birds banded | 38 |
Species banded | 15 |
Birds recaptured | 13 |
Species recaptured | 7 |
Species on census | 40 |
Species Total | 55 |
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I think it’s a Canvasback.
Oh COME on, it took three weeks to get one? These guys are usually pretty common.
Close Pat, but not quite!
Nice hint Chris :). Certainly has taken a while for the first one to show up.
Haha, common merganser, hiding the characteristic crest. You gave it away, Chris!
Exactly Kassia – we wouldn’t want it to be too easy ;).