Chico Basin Ranch Banding Station Report- May 28, 2026-Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

[Chicobander]

Yesterday was a drizzly, rainy day for Chico Basin Ranch. Rain was needed and appreciated for the grass and plants to grow. Plants are a necessary part of the ecosystem. Birds need plants. Habitat is so important for everything to exist.  

With the low heavy clouds this morning not many birds were dropping into the woods. Once the sun peaked out just before 11AM; birds were chasing each other like crazy. Bullock's Orioles in particular with males chasing males and males chasing females. We did capture a first for the season: a male Ladderback Woodpecker. They occasionally fly low enough to get caught in our nets. Swainson's Thrushes were scarce and one MacGillivray's Warbler was singing around the nets. An adult American Redstart was spotted in the area of the nets.

19 New Banded Birds

MacGillivray's Warbler- 3

Yellow-rumped Warbler (MyrtleXAudubon)- 1

Western Flycatcher- 1

Western Wood-Pewee- 4

Willow Flycatcher- 1

American Goldfinch- 1

Lesser Goldfinch- 2

Lincoln's Sparrow- 2

Swainson's Thrush- 1

Bullock's Oriole-1

Common Grackle- 1

Ladderback Woodpecker- 1

8 Recaptures

Lazuli Bunting

MacGillivray's Warbler

Bullock's Oriole- 6 (These birds have lost weight/fat from their original banding because they are expending energy chasing each other and preparing for nesting).

The Banding Station will be open tomorrow through Saturday from Sunrise until @ 11AM. Please register on the Aiken Audubon website if you are interested in birding/visiting the ranch. www.aikenaudubon.com

Enjoy the Day,

Julie Shieldcastle

Bander, Chico Basin Ranch

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies