Chico Basin Ranch Banding Station Report- May 12, 2026-Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

[Chicobander]

You cannot beat the nice Colorado Weather- It would be better for the birds if the wind blew from the south/southeast to assist them in their migration north.  

Fifteen birds species were banded today including a female American Redstart. A Traill's Flycatcher was banded- it is a category we banders have to give the flycatchers in the Alder/Willow class. Its measurements were in the overlap for both species so it is a Traill's Flycatcher (not very definitive). It id have a lot of green on it and a birder did have an Alder calling in the banding area but they did not say the bird was banded. We also caught a late for this site, Gray-headed Junco.

29 New Banded Birds

Wilson's Warbler- 1

American Redstart- 1

Yellow Warbler- 3

Audubon's (Yellow-rumped) Warbler- 2

Traill's Flycatcher- 1

Lesser Goldfinch- 1

American Goldfinch- 5

Gray-headed Junco- 1

Lazuli Bunting- 4

Lincoln's Sparrow- 1

Hermit Thrush- 3

Yellow-breasted Chat- 1

Western Tanager- 2

Black-headed Grosbeak- 2

Common Grackle- 1

No Recaptures today.

If wanting to bird the Ranch, Please register on the Aiken Audubon Website www.aikenaudubon.com Also if you have not been there before to download or take a photo of the birding map. The cell reception is spotty at best out there so won't be able to get maps to come up on your phone.

Stop by the banding station and share your sightings!

Enjoy the Day,

Julie Shieldcastle

Bander, Chico Basin Ranch

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies