Northern Shrike (Brett Tryon)
Banding Totals
Eastern Phoebe 1
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Brown Creeper 13
Winter Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 85
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 15
Hermit Thrush 28
American Robin 2
Northern Cardinal 13
Eastern Towhee 2
American Tree Sparrow 25
Fox Sparrow 5
Song Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 7
White-crowned Sparrow 3
Dark-eyed Junco 17
Northern Shrike 2
Total 226
American Tree Sparrow (volunteer Charlotte England)
It finally started to feel like winter was on its way during the last week, with strong winds and frost on the ground. Most of the land bird activity we noted was in the form of flyovers, mainly Pine Siskins, American Pipits, Horned Larks, Snow Buntings and huge flocks of blackbirds. On the last two days we didn't catch a single bird!
On the final day of Migration Monitoring we were visited by a Tundra Swan, which was spotted by a volunteer off of the North shore. We all gathered with the scope and watched in delight as it paddled in closer and closer, until it was within a couple of meters of us. It was nice to actually see the field marks that are described in the field guides, especially the distinctive yellow spot on the bill. Eventually it wandered off and then suddenly took flight, issuing a rattling call reminiscent of a Sanhill Crane.
Fall migration really "flew by" this year! Thank you to all of the dedicated volunteers who make this possible. We will be open again for on April 1 through June 9. Until then, enjoy your winter birding and happy holidays!
