Week 12: Storm's a'Brewin

 

The second last week of banding featured mornings filled with the song of Varied Thrush and bird bags full of kinglets. The weather was a mixed bag with multiple days of volunteers braving the wind and rain to deliver some precious birds.

Brewer's Blackbird, a RPBO first! (David Bell)

Banding Highlights

While there were not an overwhelming number of birds at Rocky Point, a season and station first arrived with the fall weather.  A total of 97 Ruby-crowned Kinglets were banded, the closest competitor being Pine Siskin at 24. The week included the first record Brewer’s Blackbird for RPBO's migration program, a after-hatch-year female caught in net 2. It also featured the first Swamp Sparrow of the year. A late season Hutton’s vireo and Yellow Warbler also made an appearance. In total 246 birds were banded bringing the season total for Rocky Point to 3350.

Swamp Sparrow (David Bell)

Pedder Bay saw similar conditions with 46 Ruby-crowned Kinglets being the most banded bird. Close behind was Fox Sparrows at 38 and Oregon Juncos at 28. Two Northern Flickers made their way into the nets along with one Steller’s Jay. Three White-Throated Sparrows and three Myrtle Warblers were also banded. In total 214 birds were banded bringing the season total to 3048.

Great Horned Owl giving Dave the "eye"(David Bell)

A week of mostly usual migrants, species to note include a late Western Tanager frequenting Pedder Bay, Sandhill Cranes at both stations and a Bobolink flyover at Pedder Bay on the 12th. The Blue Jay was also located once more on the 7^th at Rocky Point. Pedder Bay also had two Lesser Scaups which were new for the season. Raptor migration continues with reduced but still large numbers of Turkey Vultures and Red-tailed Hawks at both stations.

Long-eared Owl! (Jannaca Chick)

The owl crew was pleasantly surprised one evening when the “Barred Owl” found in net 5 at Rocky Point turned out to be a Long-eared Owl! The second banding record for Rocky Point. The bird was a hatch-year male and a welcome addition to the night. Owl branded toques, a gift from Tania Tripp will soon be available for $20 to keep the chills off on those long nights waiting for owls in the dark….stay tuned.

Donna, Ann N, and Emma wearing the new owl hats