Chico Basin Ranch Banding Station Report- May 5, 2026-Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

[Chicobander]

Have you ever watched the rain on radar as it travels over the ranch? It rained to the north and rained to the south today on radar. So far no rain on the ranch. Almost looks like the atmosphere sucks up the moisture and there is a donut hole over the ranch. 

Weather aside, we had a nice species list today including four new species for the season: Yellow, Wilson's, and MacGillivray's Warblers and a Philadelphia Vireo. I did hear a Least Flycatcher on site as well. That bird may be in for a rude awakening tomorrow.

10 New Banded Birds

Yellow Warbler- 1

Audubon's (Yellow-rumped) Warbler- 2

Common Yellowthroat- 2

Wilson's Warbler- 1

MacGillivray's Warbler- 1

Philadelphia Vireo- 1

Hermit Thrush -1

Swainson's Thrush- 1

Recapture

Gray-headed Junco- gained almost 2 grams since yesterday! It knows some weather is coming.

The banding station will be closed tomorrow due to the weather conditions. There is no doubt it will be cold and hopefully precipitating on the ranch tomorrow. The banding station weather permitting will open on Thursday morning.

If birding the ranch remember to register on the Aiken Audubon Website www.aikenaudubon.com

Hope the ranch gets some precipitation,

All the Best,

Julie Shieldcastle

Bander, Chico Basin Ranch

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies