Chico Basin Ranch Banding Station Report- May 29, 2026-Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

[Chicobander]

With low cloud cover this morning, the birds seemed not to drop into the woods. I realize it should be more breeding birds than migrants. however, we had not caught many female MacGillivray's and today we still are catching new Bullock's Orioles.

Not many birds were banded today but the highlight was a returning Bullock's Oriole male which was banded as an adult male in May 2023. This makes this bird at least 6 years old and still breeding! Bullock's Orioles winter in Mexico and northern Central America. further support for conservation efforts on the breeding grounds as most birds return to their original nesting/hatching area. 

12 New Banded Birds

American Redstart- 1

Yellow Warbler- 1

Western Flycatcher- 1

Western Wood-Pewee- 2

Lesser Goldfinch- 1

Bullock's Oriole- 4

Canyon Towhee- 1

Lark Sparrow- 1

2 Recaptures

Orchard Oriole- 2 males chasing each other and were caught in the net

1 return

Bullock's Oriole- at least 6 years old.

The banding station will be open tomorrow at sunrise until @ 11 AM. If wanting to bird/visit the ranch, please register on the Aiken Audubon Website www.aikenaudubon.com

Have a good weekend,

Julie Shieldcastle

Bander, Chico Basin Ranch

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies