Friday, September 21, 2012

A Weekend of Diversity


The weekend of 15th/16th of September brought with it a pleasing diversity of species, 28 to be exact. 174 birds were banded, bringing the Fall total to 1,167 individuals, of 66 species. The year total now stands at 72 species and 1,337 birds. This is very pleasing, considering our inland location, and the fact that the area is not a known migrant trap such as Long Point, Point Pelee or Prince Edward Point.

Additions to the Fall list were Gray-cheeked Thrush (1), Starling (1), Palm Warbler (3), and Orange-crowned Warbler (1). The Vireo numbers have reduced considerably, with just one Warbling and one Red-eyed being processed. Brett caught ten Nashville Warblers on Saturday, but with a clear evening and night, Sunday's catch, not to mention species diversity, was predictably much lower.

The first wave of White-throated Sparrows appeared on Sunday, and the American Robin roost is growing, clear evidence that Winter is not that far off now. If this thought depresses you, perhaps I can suggest a visit to YouTube, and a look at Mr. Methane in action on late night Norwegian television? Thank goodness for Georg's Blackberry and data plan, which helps things along in the quieter times......

Here, in totally random order, is the official weekend list:

Tennessee Warbler 1
American Redstart 2
Black-capped Chickadee 3
American Redstart (male)
Warbling Vireo 1
Swamp Sparrow 4
Purple Finch 2
Swainson's Thrush 3
Gray Catbird 8
European Starling 1
American Robin 13
Yellow-shafted Flicker 5
Nashville Warbler 10
Magnolia Warbler 1
Western Palm Warbler 3
House Wren 3
Blackpoll Warbler 1
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 6
American Goldfinch 79
White-throated Sparrow 7
Song Sparrow 12
Wilson's Warbler 3
Lincoln's Sparrow 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Gray-cheeked Thrush 1
Savannah Sparrow 1
Indigo Bunting 1


Gray-cheeked Thrush


Eastern Phoebe

This weekend may be a bit dicey, weatherwise, with a cold front and rain showers due on Saturday, and a blustery Nor' Wester on Sunday. Perhaps Mr. Methane will be the order of the day.......


Mr. Methane
                                                              

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