Chico Basin Ranch Banding Station Report- May 21, 2026-Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

[Chicobander]

The Banding station woods was loud with Western Kingbirds early but not much influx of birds until after 9:00 AM. We caught the Townsend's Solitaire that had been hanging out for the past 3 days in the area. More Bullock's Orioles, mainly the second-year males piled into the woods. Most were very fat so they are only stopping for the day and will not be here to breed.

Another Warbling Vireo was banded and the measurements were not such we could ID it to the Western or Eastern Warbling Vireo. 

All recaptured birds not breeding in the banding area increased their weight from their previous banding date. Just think if we had no birds how many insects and pests we would have! YAY birds!

47 New Banded Birds

Yellow Warbler- 5

Wilson's Warbler- 1

MacGillivray's Warbler- 1

Hammond's Flycatcher- 2

Western Flycatcher- 2

Western Wood-pewee- 1

Warbling Vireo- 1

Chipping Sparrow- 2

Mountain White-crowned Sparrow- 5

American Goldfinch- 2

Lincoln's Sparrow- 6

Lazuli Bunting- 1

House Finch- 1

Yellow-breasted Chat- 1

Townsend's Solitaire- 1

Hermit Thrush- 1

Swainson's Thrush- 2

Orchard Oriole- 1

Bullock's Oriole- 7

Green-tailed Towhee- 1

Black-headed Grosbeak- 1

Brown Thrasher- 1

Common Grackle- 1

8 Recaptures

Yellow Warbler- 2

American Goldfinch- 1

Lincoln's Sparrow- 1

Swainson's Thrush- 1

Yellow-breasted Chat- 1

Bullock's Oriole- 1

Gray Catbird- 1

The Banding station will be open tomorrow from sunrise until @11 AM. Hoping for a good movement of birds. 

Remember to register on the Aiken Audubon website if coming to bird the ranch.

ww.aikenaudubon.com

Enjoy the Day!

Julie Shieldcastle

Bander, Chico Basin Ranch

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies