Chico Basin Ranch Banding Station Report- Bird Conservancy of the Rockies-5/21/2025

[Chicobander]

A good bird day. The Golden-winged Warbler was singing softly and remained around banding station most of morning. An influx of Hermit Thrushes and MacGillivray's Warblers which supports that some of these birds are late. My question is what caused them to be later than normal in arrival? I have not seen or heard of any fires in the wintering grounds that would cause them to be delayed or maybe the crazy weather? 

Seventeen bird species captured today including 5 warbler species (Wilson's, Yellow, Audubon's (Yellow-rumped), MacGillivray's and Common Yellowthroat). Indigo Bunting male was the new species for the year. The Wood Thrush was the second one banded this season.

52 New Banded Birds

Wilson's Warbler- 4

Yellow Warbler-1

MacGillivray's Warbler-18

Audubon (Yellow-rumped) Warbler-1

Common Yellowthroat-2

Western Wood-pewee-1

Northern House Wren-3

Lazuli Bunting-2

Indigo Bunting-1

Lincoln's Sparrow-3

Unknown subspecies of White-crowned Sparrow-1 (Waiting on confirmation)

Swainson's Thrush-6

Hermit Thrush-5

Yellow-breasted Chat-1

Gray Catbird-2

Wood Thrush-1

2 Recaptures

Willow Flycatcher

Gray Catbird

The Banding station will be open tomorrow at sunrise through @11 AM. The construction crew will be operating equipment after 8:30 AM each day including Friday this week. Stop by and share your sightings. Remember to sign up on the Aiken Audubon website if wanting to bird the ranch. (https://www.aikenaudubon.com)

Have a good day,

Julie Shieldcastle

Chico Basin Ranch Bird Bander

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies