Summer arrives in time for Autumn Banding!

Yes, we're back in action at last, after the Summer break. Not that the weather has been anything other than awful this year. Having said that, the heat and humidity normally to be expected at this time of year finally struck on the opening weekend.....forcing us to close early both days and retire to the porch for a well earned beer or two.

We are now able to operate two sites, thanks to the return of Brett from his duties down at Long Point Bird Observatory, and this was reflected in the weekend's catch. The early migrants are begining to trickle through the area, with two Yellow Warblers and four American Redstarts captured on Sunday. Two new species were added to the site list, when a Vesper Sparrow and three Great-crested Flycatchers were banded.

The Osprey pair are still feeding two well grown young, one of which was on the wing on Saturday, leaving the sibling flapping frantically on the nesting platform , but not yet quite ready to take the leap of faith! No doubt that will happen some time this week, while I'm stuck in the office. Oh well, at least we have air conditioning!

The total number of birds banded was 101, of 19 species, which is a very reasonable start, and comprises the following (in absolutely no logical order):

Brown Creeper 1

American Redstart 4

Field Sparrow 3

American Goldfinch 18

House Wren 2

Indigo Bunting 1

Vesper Sparrow 1

Warbling Vireo 1

Red-eyed Vireo 1

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 1

Yellow Warbler 2

Black-capped Chickadee 4

Northern Cardinal 3

Grey Catbird 12

Great-crested Flycatcher 3

Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1

Savannah Sparrow 2

Song Sparrow 39

Blue Jay 2

Images of Great-crested Flycatcher and Vesper Sparrow are again courtesy of Georg Hentsch and may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the photographer. Not sure anything will happen if you do, but don't say you weren't warned.......

The weather looks set to change by next weekend, with cooler temperatures and northerly winds expected. This should spur some migrants to head south. As ever, time will tell!