Chico Basin Ranch Banding Station Report- May 22, 2026-Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

[Chicobander]

Two Spring Seasons ago in 2024 on this date, there was 8-10" of snow at Chico on the ground. Every year is different and this is not any different. Spring banding numbers are up from the all- time low bird numbers last spring that I experienced and numbers are still lower than the previous two spring seasons. Today the Swainon's Thrushes made their appearance. I was glad to see them. Last spring they arrived very late and on the last banding date in May was our biggest catch. Weather definitely alters the bird's migratory pathways but other obstacles and environmental conditions can as well. Let's hope for a more normal spring.

 Twenty species of birds were banded including 2 more Veeries (Total of 4 banded this spring), and another Ovenbird.

108 New Banded Birds

Yellow Warbler- 11

Wilson's Warbler- 1

MacGillivray's Warbler- 9

Ovenbird- 1

Common Yellowthroat- 5

American Goldfinch- 4

Lesser Goldfinch- 1

Willow Flycatcher- 2

Western Wood-Pewee- 1

Lazuli Bunting- 4

Lincoln's Sparrow- 3

Swainson's Thrush- 43

Veery- 2

Mountain White-crowned Sparrow- 3

Blue Grosbeak- 1

Yellow-breasted Chat- 5

Black-headed Grosbeak- 7

Bullock's Oriole- 2

Gray Catbird- 1

Common Grackle- 2

3 Recaptures - same season banded

Lazuli Bunting

Swainson's Thrush

Yellow-breasted Chat

Bunting and Chat gained weight/ Swainson's Thrush lost .4 g since original band date.

The Banding station will be open tomorrow at sunrise until @11 AM. Please register on the Aiken Audubon website if want to visit/bird the ranch. www.aikenaudubon.com

Please stop by the banding station to share your sightings. We would love to hear bout them.

Have a good weekend,

Julie Shieldcastle

Bander, Chico Basin Ranch

Bird conservancy of the Rockies