Week 5: Bluebird days and a (blue) bird

Week 5 is typically the middle of our "August doldrums", marked by sunny, hot, and slow days at the stations. While these are great for training, they can be a little tiresome as we wait for migration to pick up. Luckily this year continues to produce surprises, and both stations shook off the lull with above-average weeks and some interesting birds. Several of our newer volunteers even got to band their first bird!

Pedder Bay managed to stay quite consistent this week, with between 20 and 28 new birds per day, ending up with a total of 177 new bands (average 164 for week 5). With a season total of 1032 birds banded, we are well above the average of 959 for this point in the season! Our top capture this week was White-crowned Sparrow, unsurprisingly, with 34 individuals banded, followed by Swainson's Thrush (20) and Pacific-slope Flycatcher (17). Our highlights of the week at Pedder Bay were our second Northern Waterthrush of the season there, and breaking the record for most Chipping Sparrows banded in a season (old record 35, current total 38). A few other species are on track for great years, but we'll have to wait a few more weeks to see if they cross the threshold! One other nice bird in the nets was an after-hatch-year male Townsend's Warbler, a plumage we rarely have the opportunity to see and study in the hand. 

AHY Male Townsend's Warbler (Aiva Noringseth)

Rocky Point had its typical peaks and lulls, with 31-49 new birds per day, totalling 265 for the week (average 248). With a season total of 1269, we are still sitting in second all-time for this point in the season, only trailing 2005 which was our highest-ever season! Flycatchers dominated at Rocky this week, with Pacific-slope taking top spot at 49 individuals banded, and Willow in third with 26. White-crowned Sparrows took second place with 32. Highlights in the nets included our second Alder Flycatcher of the season (fourth all-time for Rocky Point, and fifth for RPBO), our first Barred Owl of the season, and our first and second Northern Waterthrushes of the season for that station. We also managed to break the record for most Brown-headed Cowbirds banded in a season, with our 27th individual (previous record 26). A "one that got away" tale to add to the collection happened on the 23rd when the crew at Rocky Point captured a Lazuli Bunting - unfortunately it escaped before it could be processed or photographed...better luck next time! The blue in the title is in brackets as this hatch-year bird was actually quite brown - only the adult males get any significant amount of blue (lazuli) in their plumage.

Alder Flycatcher (David Bell)

Northern Waterthrush (Siobhan Darlington)

Barred Owl (David Bell)

The record-breaking Brown-headed Cowbird (David Bell)

Warbler and shorebird migration is in full swing, and some nice mixed flocks were around throughout the week at both stations, although the shorebirds were mostly out at Rocky Point. New arrivals for the season at Pedder Bay included Green-winged Teal, Wilson's Snipe, and Short-billed Dowitcher, while Rocky Point added Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Sora, Northern Pygmy-Owl, and Bank Swallow. 

A sunny day at Rocky Point (Siobhan Darlington)

Other wildlife this week included a few Black Saddlebags dragonflies and a neat sea slug out at Rocky Point, in addition to the usual Humpbacks, deer, squirrels, raccoons, etc., and the omnipresent chorus of sea lions. An interesting observation (at least for me) was one of the female Black-tailed Deer at Pedder Bay seemingly teaching her fawns 'predator avoidance tactics' as she ran after them and tried pouncing on them, while they sprinted as fast as they could away over the hills. Luckily they stopped this behaviour before getting close to the nets! Additionally, the blackberries are approaching peak ripeness, to the delight of us and the birds alike. 

Ripe blackberries! (Julian Powers)

From this point forward, the season typically picks up as more and more migrants depart the northlands and head south for the winter. We're still looking to fill a good number of shifts in the next few weeks, so please take a look at the schedule and see if there are any empty slots that coincide with your free time. We and the birds would appreciate it!

Daily totals for week 5

Season totals (click to enlarge)

 

As an aside, does anyone else think these birds should have been named differently? Lazuli Bunting (bottom left) is named after lapis lazuli (top left), when it is more turquoise in colour (bottom right). Indigo Bunting (top right) is pretty much the colour of lapis lazuli. Petition to rename Indigo Bunting to Lazuli Bunting and change Lazuli to Turquoise Bunting? (images from Google search, used under fair use).

Over the Edge: Flycatchers Fledge!

This fourth week of Migration banding continues to offer volunteers, banders and visitors alike some new opportunities to hone their skills of observation, and share in the overall exchange of learning that seems inherent to the ventures of a banding station. The past 7 days have brought ample highlights and a few insights into how the migration season is progressing, with the arrival of some new first of the year (FOY) species! As well, we have an update to follow regarding the Olive-sided flycatcher family that have made their home behind the banding station at Rocky.

This week Rocky Point station banded a total of 283 new birds, and Pedder Bay 185, for season- to- date totals of 1,004 and 855, respectively. Amazingly, Rocky Point hit a season milestone of 1,000 new birds banded this season on Wednesday, August 17^th . Not to anyone's sursprise, the 1,000^th bird was a White-crowned Sparrow ("Puget Sound"- we are still yet to have a “Gambel’s” for either station this year), one of 105 to date for Rocky.

The top species by number of new bands remains Wilson’s Warblers- a station favourite for whom the interns and volunteers are becoming quite acquainted! Rocky added 51 “WIWA” bands to the season total of 242, while Pedder added 26 for a total of 135 to date for these small, hat wearing warblers.

 

A male Wilson’s Warbler, from earlier this season. (Aiva Noringseth)

 Keeping with the theme of yellow hues, our first feature is another warbler; First of the Year Grey-headed “orestera” or “Interior Montane” subspecies of Orange-crowned Warblers have arrived for both Pedder and Rocky. With consideration of other early arrivals this week, including FOY Savannah Sparrows and a Lincoln’s Sparrow making appearances in our banding totals, fall migration is swiftly getting underway, signalled by the return of these more afar- breeding species. 

 

Grey-headed Orange-crowned warbler. (David Bell)

 

What is white and blue and loves Nets labelled “2”? This HY Belted Kingfisher, evidently!  Originally extracted from Rocky Point’s Net 2 and banded by intern Evan Lewis on Aug. 8^th, this young female was recaptured in Pedder Bay’s Net 2 on Aug. 11^th - 3 days later. The action and attitude offered from these birds conducts anyones attention quite easily, and the seldom up- close encounters make for excellent practice for trainees, as kingfishers unique body plan requires different techniques than our typical passerines.

A returning client, Belted Kingfisher recap from Pedder Bay. (Aiva Noringseth) 

Western Wood-Pewees have been heard calling at both stations on census and general observations, but this individual proved to be our first of the season to be banded! A welcome visitor, we hope to see more of these small flycatchers in the coming weeks. 

 

Western Wood-Pewee from this week at Rocky. (David Bell)

In the mid-morning of August 12^th this Empidonax raised eyebrows and incurred some curiosity. First impression perhaps suggested a Willow or even Traill’s Flycatcher, the banders felt this identity would have to be solidified through careful measurement of primaries and calculations- a process that the Empidonax genus can be somewhat notorious for. By measurement and photo analysis, this bird was confirmed to species as an Alder Flycatcher! This slightly complicated Empidonax ID would add excitement any training occasion, and for volunteer Nikki W this bird was certainly a noteworthy first banding tick, as there have only ever been 3 banding records of the species at Rocky, with 4 total records for all time within RPBO.

A cryptic Alder Flycatcher marked a 4th ever record for RPBO. (David Bell)

With noticeably larger flocks looming about at Rocky Point, perhaps it was only a matter of time untill this highlight bird would come to join us at the station. This hatch year European Starling was banded Thursday morning (Aug. 11) at Rocky. Though their plumage may include a range of stunning features, that pink moustachial stripe is simply a dye- job produced by this individual’s passion for blackberries, something we can all appreciate at this time of year. 

First European Starling of the season. (Samuelle Simard-Provençal)

As hinted in the title of this blog, our resident Olive-sided Flycatcher family at Rocky Point continue to stoke wonder for observers, giving newfound appreciation for early life history events and behaviours of passerines that are seldom seen so regularly. With 19 days between them and their hatch date, on Aug. 17^th at least 2 of the 3 young have now taken the ultimate pledge- they’ve fledged! Hopes are high that we may encounter the young ones during Migration banding. 

Three Olive-sided flycatcher chicks in the nest solicit food from an incoming parent. (David Bell)

 

The frenzy of forage fish schools and returning salmon running just offshore between Pedder Bay and Beechey Head draws the attention of both fishermen and seabirds alike, and has made for some continued observation highlights this week. A first of the season Sooty Shearwater was spotted off the shores of Rocky Point just days before the first Parasitic Jaeger was seen in a likewise manner. Delighting our scope views, the busy flight of alcids out on the water has included dozens of Rhinocerous Auklets, Common Murres and Pigeon Guillemots, all taking advantage of the seasonal influx of forage fish. Other non- avian sights and sounds have included frequent deer, squirrel chatter, harbour porpoises bobbing off shore, the groans of Stellar’s and California sealions echoing across the water from Race Rocks, a cacophony of California gulls, and even a chance visit from Rocky’s resident sea otter, “Ollie”.

The feeling of being watched from the nearby brush interrupted our conversation, and as we paused this doe calmly approached the banding station before turning toward our shared path. (Aiva Noringseth)

 

A rainbow flaring in the first light of dawn, looking west at Rocky Point. (Aiva Noringseth) 

 

The excitement is building at both stations, as the variety of species banded and recaptured rises incrementally each day. Though the intensity of numbers are expected to begin to increase in the coming weeks, it is the efforts of our volunteers and staff keeping both banding stations are running at an optimal pace and adapting with each change the season brings our way.

The weekly statistics and totals for Rocky Point and Pedder Bay

   

Week 3: Hitting The NOWA Quota

We’ve wrapped up week 3 at RPBO and are excited to share a few highlights, season-firsts, and the weekly stats. We are off to a great start so far this season—Pedder Bay’s totals for this point in the season are the second highest all-time with 670 new birds banded. The Rocky Point station has banded 719 new birds so far, just missing the podium at 4th place all-time. Week 3 banding totals at Rocky Point and Pedder Bay were a touch higher than average, with 262 and 168 new birds banded respectively. Wilson’s Warblers are still on top this week for most numerous species with 63 banded at Rocky Point and 28 at Pedder Bay. Pacific-slope Flycatchers weren’t far behind though, with 57 banded at Rocky Point (38 of which were banded on August 10th!) and 21 banded at Pedder Bay. White-crowned Sparrows were our third most numerous species with 35 banded at Rocky Point and 18 banded at Pedder Bay. Three more Brown-headed Cowbirds banded at Rocky Point this week put us just one away from the all-time high of 26, with plenty of time left in the season to break the record. This week provided a few season-firsts, with seven new species banded including Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Townsend’s Warbler and a handful of highlight species we’ll talk about in detail. 

High tide and early morning light in the bay at Rocky Point (Evan Lewis)

Our first highlight of the week was this Cassin’s Vireo banded at Pedder Bay on August 4th. This is a species that is possible to miss during migration banding at RPBO, so it was nice to see this hatch-year bird! 

A hatch-year Cassin's Vireo banded at Pedder Bay (David Bell)

Next up, a Belted Kingfisher was caught at Rocky Point. It was quite a burst of activity when this bird found its way into the net. Fortunately, David happened to be looking out towards the front nets as two Kingfishers chased one another down the net lanes. A frantic radio call had Evan sprinting towards net 2, where one of the birds had gotten caught! This hatch-year female was the 6th record for the Rocky Point station, the first since 2010, and a banding tick for Evan. 

A hatch-year female Belted Kingfisher banded at Rocky Point (David Bell)

Pedder Bay had another exciting capture on August 9th. On the final net round of the day, a Northern Waterthrush was caught in net 13! This hatch-year was the 7th record for Pedder Bay, and we usually only get one per season here at RPBO (hence the title!).

A hatch-year Northern Waterthrush banded at Pedder Bay (David Bell)

Finally, for our last highlight species of the week, we have our first raptor of the season—a Cooper’s Hawk! This hatch-year male was caught in net 8 up on the hill to the excitement of everyone at the station. This was a new banding tick for Aiva, but you’ll have to check back next week for her to tell the full story! 

One of our interns, Aiva, demonstrating the "ice-cream cone"
raptor grip before release (Rebecca Golat)

We’re happy to report the Rocky Point resident Olive-sided Flycatcher family seems to be doing well. This week garnered us looks at 3 chicks in the nest with lots of provisioning coming from the parents. We’ll keep you updated, maybe we’ll get lucky and get to band one of the fledglings! 

A nestling Olive-sided Flycatcher poking its head out of the nest (David Bell)

Observations this week provided a few interesting sightings. Shorebirds are showing up in larger numbers at Rocky Point and this week we recorded Surfbirds, a Ruddy Turnstone, and a Whimbrel along with the usual crowd of Western and Least Sandpipers. Good sea watching conditions gave us looks at a fly-by Brown Pelican in the scope and plenty of Common Murres, Rhinoceros Auklets, and Pigeon Guillemots. Other wildlife sightings included humpback whales, harbour porpoises and harbour seals.

Daily statistics for Pedder Bay and Rocky Point

Weekly Statistics and totals for both stations (click to enlarge)

 

Week 2: All These Birdies... Yet Par for the Course!

 As Week 2 of migration monitoring at RPBO comes to a close, it’s clear that we’ve found our groove for this season. New interns and banders are getting comfortable and confident, first-time volunteers are learning and progressing many valuable skills, while the veterans and returning faces demonstrate what it means to take a banding operation from good to great! As the title suggests, our numbers of new passerines banded this week, at both Rocky Point (RP) and Pedder Bay (PB), are amazingly close to our average numbers for Week 2s of the past! RP with 200 banded this week vs. an average of 196, and PB with 172 banded vs. an average of 181. We’re all patiently waiting for migration to kick it into high gear and multiply these numbers!

Incredible details of a hatch-year Brown-headed Cowbird. Always wondering which species raised this young... (David Bell)

It's not only the fresh faces that are learning new tricks! Seasoned extractor, owl bander, and board member Mark Byrne had the opportunity to band his first hummingbird this week! This adorable Rufous Hummingbird (RUHU) was aged as a Hatch-Year (HY) male, meaning he only popped out of his egg a few weeks prior to receiving this new bling.

Mark diligently applying a wrap to keep this RUHU safe and cozy. (Robyn Byrne)
 

A closer view at the type of restraint we use to prevent hummingbirds from moving their wings and causing injury! (Robyn Byrne)

Although Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are now behind us, there’s no reason we can’t still celebrate the beauty of parenthood! For some time now we have been watching this pair of Olive-sided Flycatchers (OSFL) sing their “Quick Three Beers!” song atop the dead trees behind the station at RP. Conspicuously gathering food and making themselves comfortable, we eventually got sight of their cozy little nest where Momma-Flycatcher would spend her time warming the eggs. And finally, on July 29^th, we got confirmation of hatched chicks! Not everyone can say they were born on Rocky Point…

Momma OSFL keeping watch over her territory. And looking good while she does it! (David Bell)

If you look closely, you can spot Poppa OSFL sporting a band on his right tarsus! (David Bell)

Half of a month into banding and observing operations and no rarities spotted yet! What’s the hold up you guys!? Rest assured our skilled volunteers and staff are watching the skies like hawks, anticipating the first odd bird to make its way to our part of the island. Until then, the subtle beauty of the botanical world and our expected migrants keep us company!

A hatch-year Chipping Sparrow sporting its racing stripes while it still can. (David Bell)

A Caspian Tern, the largest Tern in the world, gliding ever so aerodynamically over the strait. (David Bell)

Epipactis helleborine leaving many of us in awe! (Aiva Noringseth)

Hooded Ladies' Tresses' impressive rotational growth pattern. (David Bell)

Sometimes net rounds yield no birds to process! Flexing our creative muscles is something we do frequently at RPBO, whether that be drawings on the whiteboard, or in this case painting stones to bring a uniquely human and light-hearted touch to our trails.

All-star volunteers Robyn and Melissa bringing the inanimate to life on a calm RP morning. (David Bell)

Our rock colony to keep us company in the far reaches of the net lanes! (Emma Radziul)

The majesty of a sunrise along the island coast is nothing short of a miracle! And a beautiful thing it is that we can share in this enjoyment with our neighboring Harbour Seals. Scattered along the rocky ridge were over 40 seals soaking up the sun and finding peace. We could learn something from them!

A peaceful view to start the morning at RP. (David Bell)

Harbour Seals in zen-mode as they absorb the sun-soaked rocks. (David Bell)

Our meadow shining in gold as the sun creeps over the canopy. (David Bell)

If you read last week’s blog, you may not be surprised to know that the Wilson’s Warblers (WIWA) are still coming in hot! For this week at RP they are our most captured species (65), with Pacific-slope Flycatchers coming in at second (24), and White-crowned Sparrows (WCSP) at third (13). At PB the Wilson’s are still leading the charge (30), however the WCSP are trailing ever so slightly (29), with Orange-crowned Warblers sitting at a comfortable third place (24). Fun Fact: Wilson’s Warblers now comprise over 20% of our total individuals caught so far, or in other words, 1 in every 5 birds in the net is a WIWA! Yet we still never get tired of these adorable little creatures!

Week 2 and season totals. (Click to enlarge)