Bird Conservancy of the Rockies - Chatfield Banding Station Report 5-1-21

[Meredith McBurney]

I was just reading Colin's report on Chico banding as an e-mail message from Megan Miller, who is banding in Utah this spring, came in, saying it was slow there as well ("Yesterday we caught 1").  Interesting and unusual situation.

At Chatfield, we were back up to 9 today,  with the star of the show being a White-throated Sparrow, a first for the station and our 102nd species in 16 years!  He (and it was a "he" - based on wing and tail length) was first seen moving around on the ground in the bushes immediately behind the banding station, and then, happily for us, he moved over to the net area.  Here is the breakdown of all 9:

Black-capped Chickadee 1 new , 1 banded 2015

Wilson's Warbler 1 (FOS)

Spotted Towhee 1

Song Sparrow 2

White-throated Sparrow 1

American Goldfinch 2 (male and female, caught together)

We are open six days per week (closed Tuesdays) through May 30. While some COVID related restrictions remain in place, there are opportunities most mornings for the public to visit, but reservations are required.  Visit https://denveraudubon.org/events/ for more information and to sign-up.  Because each hour-long session is limited to 10 people, we anticipate selling out most mornings, so register soon if you are interested!

Meredith McBurney
Bander, Chatfield Station
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

[Meredith McBurney]

Hi Again,

Santi Tabares just sent a great photo of our beautiful White-throated Sparrow, in the bush prior to banding.  Thought it was worth sharing!

Meredith McBurney