April 25th, 2006

Ruthven

Although many birds were evident at Ruthven Park, particularly RCKI, WIWR, and CHSP, the weather decided to be uncooperative, hence low banding totals.

A moderate wind was blowing at dawn which delayed the opening of the riverside nets. When the wind dropped and the nets were dutifully opened however, it started to rain. Of course it didn't actually start raining until we had walked back to the banding lab....

Several RBNU were heard calling throughout the morning and the first NAWA of the season put in a (very) brief appearance before disappearing into the valley.

A large tick was captured in Net 6. It had a HETH attached.

Banded 12: RCKI 8, AMGO, CHSP, RBNU, HETH

Retrapped 1: RCKI

This low retrap total could be due to a) a migratory exodus of birds from the area, b) the poor weather conditions, c) the fact that today was Ruthven's annual "test the security and fire alarms day" with accompanying dulcet serenade, or d) a family curse.

B

Descriptions appear above photos, and clicking on photos will enlarge them:

The Red-Breasted Nuthatch that was banded today. These are a bit of a rarity at Ruthven.

Jeff checking out the muscle and fat-load on the Nuthatch. Does anyone have thoughts about the sex, age, and fat load of this bird? There are three pictures you can use. Leave a comment. (Brian, if you remember, maybe you can comment on what you called it--I can't remember.)


Brian removing the Hermit Thrush attached to the tick we found in net #6.


Jeff banding one of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet trapped today.


A better look at the Kinglet being banded above. All but one of the Ruby-Crowned Kinglets trapped today were male.


There are a few pairs of Eastern Bluebirds around the property now. This guy was sitting in the woods near another bluebird, a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, and the Nashville Warbler Brian spotted.


The willow near the banding station is now quite colorful.


Selkirk

Another decent day at Selkirk. The best bird netted today at Selkirk I released unbanded, namely a female RTHU. This is the first April RTHU I have had in Selkirk and from what I can remember may be my first ever April Ontario Sighting. Since I am now in my 51st spring of serious birding I considered this significant.

Banded: RCKI 10, HETH 4, AMRO 3, BTNW 1, SOSP 2, WTSP 3= 23

John