Our first warbler of the year: a brilliant male Yellow-rump.
We caught and banded our first warbler of the year! You really know that Spring – real Spring – is just around the corner when you see those early warblers (at Ruthven it’s often either a Yellow-rumped or Pine) but getting this bird pushed our species encountered number for the day to 40 – the first time this year we’ve encountered that many species. Spring is really coming. Even the Chorus Frogs were rejoicing….they could feel it.
Of course one Yellow-rumped Warbler does not a migration make…but you know that the “big push” is on the way. American Tree Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco numbers were lower that they have been in some time. I think some took advantage of the conditions and headed out last night.
The Yellow-rumped Warbler showing off his golden chest patches and bright rump.
Banded 30:
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
1 Yellow-rumped Warbler
2 American Tree Sparrows
2 Song Sparrows
2 Dark-eyed Juncos
6 Brown-headed Cowbirds
16 American Goldfinches
ET’s: 40 spp.
Rick