[va-richmond-general] Spring migration banding Powhatan- Easter Sunday 2009

Have been doing some spring migration banding in Powhatan when possible since April 4. Friday the 10th-13 White-throated sparrows were banded as well as recapturing a Hermit Thrush we first banded April 4. There is more bird song every time we go out and today was no different. It was a wonderful "Sunrise Service"  at 6 am. As the weather got warmer the birds (although not hitting the nets) got more active. Heard my FOS Northern Parula and Yellow-throated Vireo. Had 3 fly-overs of a Broad-wing Hawk and many Wood ducks. The Blue-grey Gnatcatchers, Yellow-throated warblers and Louisiana Waterthrush have been calling for > a week. We were pleased to net an Ovenbird on the first run this morning and a couple Cardinals....other than that and oh yeah a couple YEPE's the canopy was busier than our nets.

The May-apples, Spring Beauty and Fiddle-heads made for a wonderful walk through the forest. A peaceful morning watching spring unfold.

Happy Easter,

Julie Kacmarcik

This YEPE was obviously hit by a Cooper's Hawk.                                       OVENBIRD