Eastern White-cowned Sparrow. Is this bird still migrating or will it be one of the few that spend the Winter in this area?
Despite the unseasonably warm temperatures of late, the variety of bird species that we’re seeing is quickly diminishing – getting down to Winter numbers. This morning the census turned up only 18 species and we had only 28 species for the whole day. When we see this drop we it’s a good time to finish. So our last morning of passerine banding is Saturday, the 7th and that night will be our last attempt to catch Northern Saw-whet Owls at Ruthven for the season.
One of over 130 American Tree Sparrows we’ve banded this season – a new record for us.
On the other hand, we are continuing to good numbers of “winter residents”: American Tree Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos and American Goldfinches. The 15 Tree Sparrows we banded this morning pushes our total to 133 – by far our highest total since inception in 1995.
Northern Flicker retrap – it has been hanging around for about a month now.
Tufted Titmice are seen commonly now. In September they were hard to find…..perhaps moulting.
Banded 35:
1 Northern Cardinal
15 American Tree Sparrows
2 White-throated Sparrows
1 Eastern White-crowned Sparrow
4 Dark-eyed Juncos
1 House Finch
11 American Goldfinches
ET’s: 28 spp.
Rick
Dramatic sky in the early morning. -J. Chard
Fern Hill School:
It was a pretty eventful day at Fern Hill School today, with a strong turn out from both birds and students! Five young ornithologists were able to come out today, including a new member. The majority of birds handled today were birds that have been hanging out in the area – with some being captured at least nine times in the past few weeks!
American Tree Sparrow. -J. Chard
Banded 9
1 Downy Woodpecker
1 Black-capped Chickadee
1 American Robin
2 American Tree Sparrows
3 Slate-colored Juncos
1 American Goldfinch
Wing detail of an older (AHY) American Tree Sparrow. -J. Chard
ET’s: 22 spp.
Janice