Chatfield Banding Station, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 4-27-26

[Meredith McBurney]

We are continuing to experience "normal" early spring banding - as of the end of our first 3 days, we have captured each of the species that we expect to get during this early time period.  I think this is the first time this has happened since before 2020.  We already had our House Wrens, a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, a warbler species, and Hermit Thrush.  Today we added a second warbler species, Lincoln's Sparrow and Ruby-crowned Kinglet.  The only missing species is Yellow-rumped Warbler, and it isn't that they aren't at the station, they are just staying stubbornly above net level.  The early spring has brought in migrants on what used to be their normal schedule?

Here's the breakdown from Sunday, 4/26:

Downy Woodpecker 1

Black-capped Chickadee 1 return, banded last fall (our first fall banding at Chatfield)

Bushtit 1

Northern House Wren 2

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1

American Robin 1

Wilson's Warbler 1

Spotted Towhee 3

Lincoln's Sparrow 1

We are banding Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays) through May 31, weather permitting.  There are opportunities for the public to visit on weekends and early mornings most weekdays.  Reservations are required and can be made through the Denver Audubon website.  (Many/most sessions are already sold out, so sign up now if you are interested!)

Meredith McBurney
Bander, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies