Andrew’s Posting for October 25th to 29th

Gales and Rain

Weather has been windy and birds have few and far between but some new stuff has shown up with the winds.

October 25th was relatively windless and we were able to run all our nets. We captured 23 birds of 9 species including: Slate-coloured Junco, White-crowned Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, American Tree Sparrow, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Downy and Hairy Woodpecker. A Belted Kingfisher was seen on census along with White-winged Scoter, Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch. Winds resumed on the 26th and we were only able to open 5 nets for a short time. We banded 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches. Baywatch was eventful with: 1 Common Loon, 1 Wood Duck, 4 White-winged Scoters, 4 Black Scoters, 3 Bufflehead and 1 Red-breasted Merganser. Slate-coloured Juncos were the most common bird of the day with many flocks feeding on the ground. Winds shifted East and picked up blowing out most of our nets on the 27th but we were able to band several birds. We banded Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, Black-capped Chickadee and Red-breasted Nuthatch. We also banded our first Red-bellied Woodpecker and Pine Grosbeak of the year. The 28th was copy of the previous day with strong east winds. We only had 5 nets open and we banded few birds. However census found some new arrivals for the year. 6 Evening Grosbeaks and a flock of 15 Common Redpolls. 4 Northern Cardinals were seen for the day and a Merlin  was also observed chasing a flock of Pine Siskins. 59 Canada Geese as well as 3 Mallards were seen during census. The 29th was a step up in terms of wind with 15 foot breakers hitting the shore of Georgian Bay. We were still able to open nets but only for a short time between sleet and rain. We banded 2 Pine Grosbeaks and an American Robin. Common Redpolls were more common today with many flocks of 30 or so flying around. There were a total of 6 Pine Grosbeaks seen throughout the morning and 1 Evening Grosbeak. 11 Buffleheads were blown by during census and 2 Red-breasted Mergansers took refuge in the calm Basin.

Andrew