Andrew’s Posting for September 6th to 10th
Migration at Cabot Head in a Stall.
Over the past 5 days we’ve banded less than 50 birds. This time coincides with a usual “lull” in migration caused by the local migrants leaving but the long distance migrant from further north failing to arrive yet. Now we’re just waiting for a break in the weather. And Now…. onto the birds! There has been a family of Ruffed Grouse hanging around the nets and occasionally jumping into the nets. There are at least 6 young and 2 adults around. On the 6th we banded our first Western Palm Warbler and still large numbers of Black-capped Chickadees hanging around. On the 7th a Peregrine Falcon was observed along with several Merlins and a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Census turned up a Least Flycatcher, Philadelphia Vireo, 7 Ruffed Grouse and 23 Black-capped Chickadees. We banded our first Tennessee Warbler of the fall and 2 Brown Creepers. On the 8th BPBO had it’s annual Open House which was a great success! Thanks to all who helped out and all who came and visited! The weather for the day was by far our worst thus far this fall. Strong North-west winds produced some impressive movements of Common Loons and Canada Geese, observing 121 and 170 respectively. We also saw 2 Red-necked Grebes and the Bald Eagle.We banded only 1 bird and recaptured 2 as well as catching 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, we were only able to run our nets for a few hours between rain showers. The weather on the 9th was much brighter and nets were open all morning. Census turned up a Peregrine Falcon as well decent numbers of White-throated Sparrows. We banded Red-breasted Nuthatches, Black-capped Chickadees, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Song Sparrow and White-throated Sparrow. We observed again high numbers of Canada Geese a total of 84 for the day. We had a Pileated Woodpecker in the net but it was able to make a great escape and fly off to never be seen again… On the 10th we banded Magnolia Warbler, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-eyed Vireo, White-throated Sparrow and Swainson’s Thrush. 5 Red-breasted Mergansers were observed floating in Wingfield Basin and a good movement of Turkey Vultures was observed shortly after banding.
Sawyer