Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Chatfield Banding Station - May 10, 2023

[Meredith McBurney]

We had a great day, considering we were plagued by drizzle, that required a quick mid-morning close, and a bobcat, which forced us to close some nets and closely monitor all others.  Caught 56 new birds.  Number 1 highlight was our 106th species - a PALM WARBLER - on our first run of the day.  Then lots of first of season birds (see notes in list below), including unusual for us captures - a Plumbeous Vireo and a bunch of Spizella Sparrows.  Here's the breakdown:

Hammond's Flycatcher 1 (FOS)

Western Flycatcher 1 (FOS)

Plumbeous Vireo 1 (FOS)

Red-eyed Vireo 1 (FOS)

Black-capped Chickadee 1

House Wren 9

Gray Catbird 4 new, 1 banded 2021

Orange-crowned Warbler 1

Virginia's Warbler 1

Yellow Warbler 2 new, 1 banded 2022, 1 banded 2021

Western Palm Warbler 1 (First ever!)

Yellow-rumped Warbler, Audubon's 2

Common Yellowthroat 2 new, 1 banded 2022

Yellow-breasted Chat 3

Spotted Towhee 1

Green-tailed Towhee 4

Chipping Sparrow 2 (FOS)

Clay-colored Sparrow 2 (FOS)

Brewer's Sparrow 13 (FOS)

We will be open Tues through Sun, weather permitting, through May 31.  Denver Audubon has scheduled one-hour time slots at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 for visitors on weekends; visit here to register.  (I believe many time slots are already sold out, so register soon if you would like to visit.)

Meredith McBurney
Bander, Chatfield Banding Station
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies