Chico Basin Ranch Banding Report, May 30, 2026

[Chicobander]

All spring we have not caught much quantity but we have been fortunate that we have caught some quality birds. Today was no exception and of course the highlight bird decided to be caught the last net check. What a surprise when I saw there was a female Painted Bunting that came out of the net. I was not the person who extracted it so I only saw it when it came out of the transport bag to be banded. I could not believe it but nothing else looks that color green of a female Painted Bunting. 

A couple Swainson's Thrushes, Wilson's Warbler, and three female Orchard Orioles were the most identified migrants of the day. The Northern Parula was still singing near the goats this morning as well as the Red-headed Woodpecker came and went a couple times near the banding station during the morning.

13 New Banded Birds

Wilson's Warbler- 1

American Goldfinch- 1

Lazuli Bunting- 1

Painted Bunting- 1

House Finch- 1

Blue Grosbeak- 1

Orchard Oriole- 3

Ash-throated Flycatcher- 1

Canyon Towhee- 1

Swainson's Thrush- 2

1 Recapture

Bullock's Oriole

1 Return- banded as an adult in 2025

Blue Grosbeak- She is at least 4 Years old 

The banding station will be closed tomorrow but will reopen Monday at sunrise until @11AM. 

If wanting to bird/visit the ranch tomorrow or next week, please register on the Aiken Audubon Website www.aikenaudubon.com

Have a good weekend and see you Monday!

Julie Shieldcastle

Bander, Chico Basin Ranch

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies