Did I mention banders love the spring !!

Orange crown warbler photo by N. Richardson

Another fine day at the Hilliardton marsh and another fine crew of banders . Highlight of the day was  the years first veery and American redstart. As well as  Chris Sukha having the time to work with  young banders Jacob Lachapelle and Sid Coll. Here are today's totals

First american redstart of the season photo by J Lachapelle

least flycatcher  N. Richardson

Yellow rumped warbler    15
Nashville warbler             6
western palm warbler       8
ruby crowned kinglet       1
magnolia warbler              1
orange crowned warbler    1
american redstart               1
ruby crowned kinglet        1
least flycatcher                  2
american tree sparrow      1
chipping sparrow              3
white throated sparrow      8
song sparrow                     2
swamp sparrow                 5
white crowned sparrow     2
red-winged blackbird         7
brown headed cowbird       1
common grackle                  1
veery                                    1

first veery of the spring 

While the migration seems a little slow we have been encouraged by our numbers as the numbers in the south have been very low but with lots of diversity. After the south winds of the last 2 days we were hit with rain today and were not able to band . Gave us a chance to catch up on data entry and by we I really mean Chris Sukha. The next two days are going to be to be cold  with expected highs  of plus 4 tomorrow and 5 on Sunday so we may see some results if the migration stalls . Will  hopefully have more to report  then.

Our bander in charge and   main data entry dude  Chris Sukha with a veery

Today we were fortunate to have help form one of our hardest working volunteers Curtis Quinton who came and erected our  adopt a nest box  plaque holder which  was constructed by Jason Pigeau. The plan is to recognize people who have supported our nest box program by putting a plaque with their name on the box. 

We just have to wait for the box to dry out. thanks Jason and Curtis. the cool part of the box is that it actually has a correct size hole and box inside so it actually could be used by a swallow or blue bird!

bird is the word