Bird Conservancy of the Rockies - Chatfield Banding Station, 5/7/24

[meredith]

A colder, cloudier day than expected with intermittent winds, we had low numbers but lots of cool birds, including 6 FOS species, 1 of which is a rarity for the station (only caught 2 others in 18 years).  Here are the details for the 14 new captures today:

Dusky Flycatcher 1 FOS

House Wren 2 new, 1 banded 2022

Gray Catbird 1 FOS

American Redstart 1 FOS - Adult male

Common Yellowthroat 1

Wilson's Warbler 1 FOS - 2nd year female

Spotted Towhee 1 banded 2023

Lincoln's Sparrow 2

White-crowned Sparrow, Mountain 1

Bullock's Oriole 1 FOS - Adult male

Pine Siskin 1 FOS - There is a flock of these hanging out this season, maybe we will catch more.  Only 2 previously, 1 in 2017 and 1 in 2010

A trend this season so far - most species have shown up in their usual time frame (only species that are missing that should be here by now are the thrushes), but in lower numbers than usual.  Will things pick up?

We are banding Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays) through May 31, weather permitting.  You can register to visit on the weekends through the Denver Audubon website.  (Some times/days are sold out, so sign up now if you are interested!)

Meredith McBurney
Bander, Chatfield Banding Station

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies