Howdy all,
Today was another one of those, didn't catch a lot but a nice mix of species
and a two new for the season. We caught our first WORM-EATING WARBLER of the
season today which thrills me! They are just awesome birds and always feisty!
We also banded our first DOWNY WOODPECKER of the season as well. In the
category of "wow ANOTHER one" we caught our 9th YELLOW WARBLER, are 3rd LEAST
FLYCATCHER, and 6th YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO (and each of the last 6 days). We
normally
don't catch many of those three, so it is nice to be treated thus far.
Overall, we banded 24 birds which is not bad for August and without a frontal
system. So we are all pleased. Bird activity still is knocking off about 10
am so if you are wanting to visit the station this weekend I recommend coming
early! We have been closing down about noon.
Of other notes, I saw my first two NORTHERN HARRIERS moving south this
afternoon. I am not a huge hawk guy, so I don't spent much time scanning the
skies
for them. EASTERN KINGBIRD numbers on the refuge is still quite high. 100+ or
so. Rumor has it the WARBLING VIREO was still on the refuge in a restricted
area a two days ago. I couldn't find it yesterday evening but I will try again.
I
have only seen one here on the shore in the five falls I have been here. (And
yes, we caught it at the banding station).
Here are the totals for the day 8/25:
American Redstart 8
Common Yellowthroat 1
Yellow Warbler 1
Northern Waterthrush 1
Ovenbird 1
Worm-eating Warbler 1
Least Flycatcher 1
Traill's Flycatcher 2
Carolina Wren 4
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1
TOTAL ------------------------------ 24
Didn't look like any north winds for the weekend so I am afraid it is going
to be a bit slow. Totally hope that I am wrong!
Might see some of you this weekend!
Cheers,
Jethro Runco
