April 1st – Rolling Into A New Spring Season

Around March 15th Cyclone Idai moved in off the Indian Ocean and slammed into Mozambique and then quickly Malawi and Zimbabwe. Its 177 km/h winds and torrential rains left a trail of flooding and devastation in their wake. Hundreds were left dead and/or missing. Wildlife was also hit hard. But some birds, probably on the western edge of the storm survived although many were blown far from their wintering/breeding grounds. This must have been the case with this European Roller which turned up this morning along the river. Wow! Just imagine the flight it had just made! It stayed around just long enough for me to get a picture before disappearing.

In other news…
Our first day of banding was a sunny, beautiful day despite the cold temperatures and the snow that was left behind from Saturday’s snowfall. Nets were left closed today and the first few birds banded for the start of the spring season came from ground traps. Two new species for the season were first observed by Carol Jones – she saw Tree Swallows perched on the Motus Tower and the highlight was a flock of Greater White-fronted Geese which is new species for Ruthven! A fantastic day thanks to everyone who came!

Banded 5
1 Mourning Dove
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
1 Song Sparrow
2 Slate-colored Junco
1 American Goldfinch

ET’s: 35 species

Nancy