Bird Conservancy Banding Report - Chico Basin Ranch, 9/21/19

[Robert Snowden]

What a difference a day makes. Last night's more-favorable weather brought a nice influx of migrants this morning. One day after the slowest day of the season, we had one of the busiest yet, with 43 newly-banded birds and 2 recaptures. Those numbers could've been even higher but some sporadic breezy weather resulted in some net closures. 

We had 12 species, mostly the usual suspects and nothing unusual. Quite a few more sparrows today than previous mornings, with our highest Lincoln's Sparrow totals so far, and many more lingering in nearby shrubs while I was closing nets. I also noted that most of the Wilson's Warblers I was able to take a close look at didn't have much fat deposited, suggesting they had just arrived after some long-distance travel that used up their fuel stores. 

Today's summary:

Wilson's Warbler 19 + 1 recapture

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2

House Wren 3

Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon 1

Orange-crowned Warbler 1

Dusky Flycatcher 1

Lincoln's Sparrow 9

MacGillivray's Warbler 1

White-crowned Sparrow, Gambel's 2

Hermit Thrush 1

American Robin 2

Brown Thrasher 1 + 1 recapture

We are open 6 days a week, closed on Sundays. Next week we'll be opening nets at 6:50 AM and closing at 11:50 AM, weather permitting. There will be a large school group visiting on Monday, so the best time to stop by to see birds without too much commotion will be between 7:00-8:30 AM. Come visit!

Robert Snowden

Bander, Chico Basin Ranch

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies