Migration Monitoring: November 9-12

Northern Saw-whet Owl by volunteer Ian Sturdee

Hi Everyone, We were blessed with beautiful weather for our last week of migration monitoring. The mornings were chilly, but once the sun melted the frost even the Decay’s Brown Snakes and Garter Snakes came out of hiding to soak up the warmth.

As the banding totals indicate, we have hit the tail end of migration. Many of the birds we caught last week aren’t included in the banding totals because we already banded them! Those young Black-capped Chickadees either haven’t learned where the nets are, or they have been enjoying visits to the heated banding lab!

BANDING TOTALS
Species	Nov-09	Nov-10	Nov-11	Nov-12	Weekly Total
Hairy Woodpecker		1		1	2
Black-capped Chickadee	1				1
Brown Creeper		1			1
Golden-crowned Kinglet		3		1	4
Northern Cardinal	1				1
American Tree Sparrow	1				1
Dark-eyed Junco	1	8			9
American Goldfinch		2		1	3
Daily Total	4	15	0	3	22

Thanks to all of the fabulous volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to this program! TTPBRS could not exist without them. As the new Migration Monitoring Coordinator I have had some big shoes to fill, and I truly appreciate everyone’s ongoing support and guidance. It has been a fun and fulfilling year! Thanks again to TRCA for this incredible opportunity.

Although migration monitoring has come to an end, Tommy Thompson Park is open to the public on weekends and holidays. There are often Great Horned Owls and Northern Saw-whet Owls to be seen in the winter, and thousands of ducks to enjoy. Coming up on March 6 is our awesome Winter Waterfowl festival, so stay posted for details.

GOOD BIRDING!