It was sort of an interesting morning – new birds for the year were a Brown Thrasher and a Pine Warbler. The latter tends to show up relatively early for a warbler but this seems very early to me. On the other hand, a flock of 4 Tundra Swans went over – this seems very late to me. I guess it’s just that time of year – keeners and stragglers.

More than half the birds handled today were caught in ground traps – especially the ones set out in front of the Mansion. It’s quieter out there, not so much action and the birds can take their time exploring these strange contraptions before deciding to wander in and chow down on all that great food. When there’s people walking around they’re much more wary.

Banded 35:
2 Mourning Doves
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
1 Brown Thrasher
1 American Tree Sparrow
1 Chipping Sparrow
1 Field Sparrow
10 Dark-eyed Juncos
8 Brown-headed Cowbirds
10 American Goldfinches

Retrapped 13:
1 Downy Woodpecker
1 Eastern Tufted Titmouse
1 American Tree Sparrow
1 Dark-eyed Junco
2 Brown-headed Cowbirds
1 House Finch
5 American Goldfinches

ET’s: 44 spp.

Rick