CSR Busy Day Tuesday

[Steven Brown]

Hey COBirders,

A busy day banding at Clear Spring Ranch this morning. 34 birds banded. Matching the numbers for the last 5 days combined!

Last night, in NW Colo Spgs, we got pounded in several waves with hail (up to dime size), thunder, lightning wind, and rain. I expected Fountain and CSR to be much the same. Nope, Not a drop there last night as far as I could tell - still the inch of dust everywhere. I’m guessing that a lot of the numbers I had today were birds that were kept from migrating further North into the storm last night.

Now, none of the species banded were unexpected, but the numbers were. As I’ve said before 20 birds is a good day here, 30 is great.

11 Spotted Towhees banded (previous high day in 15 years - 4) I often only see 1-2, and don’t always catch them.
6 Orange-crowned Warblers - (previous high 7 twice in 15 years) Some springs I've only caught 4-5 for the season!
BTW - 5 were males 1 SY female
4 new N House Wrens
8 White-crowned Sparrows (6 Gambel’s, 2 Mountain)
and a few Chipping Sparrows, Robins, Com Yellowthroat

Well, that was fun! Have a good week,

Happy Migration,
Steve Brown
Colo Spgs