23rd, 24th May.

Finally, the gods smiled, the sun shone, and the birds arrived....better late than never! 92 birds were banded over the two days, with three new species added to the ever expanding list for the "Rare" property. These are Black-billed Cuckoo, Orchard Oriole and Indigo Bunting.

On the downside, we learned that mist nets are no impediment to deer, with perhaps the most consistent catching site out of operation on Sunday, thanks to said deer. I hope the animal meets a sticky end.....preferably sooner rather than later! I never liked "Bamby" as a child......now I know why.

For those of you who have commented about the colour of my nail polish in some of the images, it's lusterous pink, and you can get it at any pharmacy or Wal-Mart. Sorry about the chipped appearance, I'll try harder in future. The other person in the pictures is Erika, who coincidentally wears the same shade. She is the one holding the Black-billed Cuckoo, and looking all pleased with herself.......I hope that clears up the mystery, Tony!

Here is the list, again in random order:

Wilson's Warbler 4

Traill's Flycatcher 6

Common Yellowthroat 7

Yellow Warbler 10

American Goldfinch 11

House Wren 1

Warbling Vireo 3

Indigo Bunting 2

Baltimore Oriole 2

Gray Catbird 5

Northern Cardinal 1

Red-winged Blackbird 3

Song Sparrow 4

Orchard Oriole 4

Cedar Waxwing 8

Brown-headed Cowbird 2

Starling 2

American Robin 1

Black-billed Cuckoo 3

Magnolia Warbler 2

Common Grackle 4

Black-capped Chickadee 1

Red-eyed Vireo 1

Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2

Swainson's Thrush 2

American redstart 1

Total 92, of 26 species.

Not a bad weekend's tally, considering the lateness of the season. The upcoming weekend is our last for the Spring, so we are hopeful of adding to our current total of 255 birds, comprising 43 species.

Thanks again to Georg Hentsch for the images of Warbling Vireo, Orchard Oriole, and the lovely Erika with Black-billed Cuckoo.

See you again next week!