Alder, Willow Flycatchers, CSR, El Paso Co, Sunday

[Steven Brown]

Hey COBirders,

Another great morning banding at Clear Spring Ranch. Today the stars were flycatchers: W Wood-pewee, Dusky Flycatcher, 2 Willow Flycatchers, and 1 Alder Flycatcher. The last three were all in hand at the same time - so a great time for comparison. The Alder did have a longer wing vs. tail, and precise measures of the primaries gave the ID.

Other highlights were 6 species of warblers banded (N Waterthrush, Virginia’s, Com Yellowthroat, Yellow, MacGillivray’s, YB Chat), and more Lazuli Buntings. 

What a great weekend: the last three days were the busiest spring banding days I’ve had, with about 150 birds banded. Wow!

I remember whining the last two springs that migration seemed to be passing us by. Not this year!!!

Happy Migration,

Steve Brown

Colo Spgs