FreeLists / va-richmond-general / [va-richmond-general] Prothonotary update at Dutch Gap

[Bob Reilly <rjreilly@xxxxxxx>]

Just completed a round of nest box checking at Dutch Gap today.  Thus far have 
banded 29 new adults and caught 8 return birds from last year. Also have banded 
39 hatchlings and count another 80 eggs
coming along.  Happy to say that no nest box has been predated thus far.... a 
much better record than would be expected in natural cavities or in boxes 
mounted on trees.  One female caught today
dropped a catepillar in the net which I placed on the flat banding surface.  
While I was placing the band on her, she leaned out and snapped up the 
catepillar! After banding I released her back into
the box rather than just opening my hand so she could fly off a bit (the usual 
practice). She stayed in the box long enough to feed that catepillar to one of 
her offspring, even though I hadn't yet
pulled away in the canoe.  A truly dedicated parent.

Bob Reilly

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