Bird Banding Blog

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All banding, marking, and sampling is conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Lab (BBL).
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Belle Isle Bird Banding - May 2026 

The month of May started cooler than normal, which persisted into the middle of the month. Late May had some more seasonal days, but a couple were more like early April including the last day of banding on May 30th. Some volunteers that last day were bundled up early in the morning. 

Banding was not continued into the first week of June this year because I had an out of state birding trip planned and I flew out on June 2nd. Cornell University has a migration detection tool called BirdCast. This spring, it showed good numbers flying over the night before several banding days. But the timing was not right for a "fallout", but instead showed a lot of flyovers that probably continued farther north. Numbers banded were modest, but species diversity was good. The configuration of the calendar this year allowed for 9 banding days this month rather than the normal 8, which helped make up for the day we missed in April.

 

Sunday, May 3, 2026

This morning, the temperature started out in the upper 30s, rising into the low 60s, with increasing winds through the morning. Species diversity and number banded was disappointingly low. The highlight of the day was a species more expected in April, an American Woodcock. Based on molt, bill measurement, and measurements of the outer wing feathers, it was a second-year male.

Second-year male American Woodcock

Second-year male American Woodcock

Second-year male American Woodcock

Second-year male American Woodcock

Despite the chilly conditions, we also caught a Tree Swallow, and possibly one of the last Hermit Thrushes of the spring.

 

Banding Results for May 3, 2026

16.5 nets open 6:15 - 12:15 (99.0 net hrs)
Temperature: 38-62
Cloud Cover: 20-80%
Wind Direction: SW
Wind Speed: 3-5-15 mph
Barometer: 29.99 - 29.88
Precipitation: None
Sunrise: 6:24

American Woodcock - 1
Blue Jay - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
Tree Swallow - 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1
Northern House Wren - 1
Gray Catbird - 1
Hermit Thrush - 1
[American Robin - 2 recaptured]
White-throated Sparrow - 4
[Song Sparrow - 2 recaptured]
Red-winged Blackbird - 2 (plus 1 recaptured)

No. of species captured: 11
No. of individuals banded: 13
No. recaptured: 6
No. released unbanded: 0
Capture Rate: 19.2 per 100 net hrs
BirdCast for Wayne Co: 22,600

Bander: Allen Chartier
Assistants: Mike Charlebois, Danielle Hawkins, Wren Haynes, Jasper Myles, Lily Pagac, Blanche Wicke.
Visitors: 2
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Thursday, May 7, 2026

It was another chilly day, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s, but with less wind and more cloud cover, both of which help us catch more birds. Good numbers and species diversity graced the nets today, which the DNR field trip of 4th graders got to enjoy on their brief stop by the station. Species banded in the greatest number included Gray Catbird (10) and White-throated Sparrow (19). There were quite a few firsts for the season today, including my personal favorite, Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

After hatch-year male Ruby-throated Hummingbird

A surprise, because they are large enough to escape the nets, was this second-year (by plumage) male (by smaller measurements) Cooper's Hawk.

Second-year male Cooper's Hawk

The eye of this individual was orange, transitioning from the yellow eye they have when they fledge, to the deep red eye when "adult". Note that Cooper's Hawks can attempt to breed in their second year, when in "immature" plumage like this one, but those that I've watched have not been very successful. More experience required apparently.

Second-year male Cooper's Hawk

There were two Tree Swallows in the nets today.

After hatch-year male Tree Swallow

The first Veery of the season was heard calling (not singing) in the banding area, and two of them found their way into the nets.

After hatch-year Veery

After hatch-year Veery

Lincoln's Sparrow is my favorite, and the first of the season was banded today. It was aged as second-year based on the shapes of the primary coverts.

Second-year Lincoln's Sparrow

Among many field marks, the white throat with fine streaks is a good one, provided it can be seen as well as it can be in-hand! 

Second-year Lincoln's Sparrow

The first Baltimore Oriole of the season provided a welcome splash of color. The mixture of juvenile-type outer and adult-type (black) central tail feathers allows this one to be aged as second-year.

Second-year male Baltimore Oriole

Some early migrant, and breeding warblers made their first appearance today. Migrants included 6 Ovenbirds and a single Northern Waterthrush.

Second-year Ovenbird

Second-year Northern Waterthrush

Second-year Northern Waterthrush

Northern Yellow Warblers migrate through Belle Isle, but also breed here. The first of the season was likely a local breeder as it had been banded here last spring. Two others were banded today as well.

After second-year male Northern Yellow Warbler

After second-year male Northern Yellow Warbler

 

 

Another early migrant warbler, four Palm Warblers, were also banded today, but not photographed. 

 

Banding Results for May 7, 2026

16.5 nets open 6:15 - 12:15 (99.0 net hrs)
Temperature: 45-56
Cloud Cover: 90-50-80%
Wind Direction: WNW-W
Wind Speed: 1-3-10 mph
Barometer: 29.92 - 29.89
Precipitation: None
Sunrise: 6:19

Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 2
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Tree Swallow - 2
[Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1 recaptured]
European Starling - 3
Gray Catbird - 10 (plus 1 recaptured)
Veery - 2
[American Robin - 1 recaptured, 2 released unbanded]
White-throated Sparrow - 19
Song Sparrow - 1 (plus 2 recaptured)
Lincoln's Sparrow - 1
Swamp Sparrow - 5
Baltimore Oriole - 1
Red-winged Blackbird - 3 (plus 3 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Brown-headed Cowbird - 1 (plus 2 recaptured)
Ovenbird - 6
Northern Waterthrush - 1
Common Yellowthroat - 2
Northern Yellow Warbler - 2 (plus 1 recaptured)
Palm Warbler - 4

No. of species captured: 20
No. of individuals banded: 66
No. recaptured: 11
No. released unbanded: 3
Capture Rate: 80.8 per 100 net hrs
BirdCast for Wayne Co: 76,600

Bander: Allen Chartier
Assistants: Mike Charlebois, Marissa Jardine, Nicole Kvasnovsky, Blanche Wicke.
Visitors: 25 (including 4 graders on a DNR field trip)
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Saturday, May 9, 2026

More seasonal temperatures, light to moderate winds, and overcast skies to start was accompanied by fog in the morning and a trace of rain later. Species diversity was still good, but the number banded was down from two days ago. A good number of visitors stopped by the station today, including the Oakland Bird Alliance young birders (Owlets), and a scout troup that the Nature Center staff was leading. The first Least Flycatcher of the season was banded today, but not photographed. A Wood Thrush was heard singing in the banding area while we were opening nets, and the two banded were the first of the season. The retained spotted juvenile wing coverts allowed this one to be aged as second-year.

Second-year Wood Thrush

An unexpected occurrence today was a hatch of beetles, with dozens of them getting caught in the nets. This did not happen last year. I was able to identify them as Forest-ogre June Beetles (Phyllophaga anxia).  

Forest-ogre June Beetle (Phyllophaga anxia)

This Common Checkered Skipper (Burnsius communis) in the banding area was earlier than expected. The tattered appearance suggests that it may have overwintered as some butterflies do (Mourning Cloak, Eastern Comma, etc.). 

Common Checkered Skipper (Burnsius communis)

Any time that Wren Haynes volunteers to help with banding, she is sure to find interesting insects and other wildlife. Today, she found this Eastern Garter Snake near the Nature Center. The less common Butler's Garter Snake is encountered more often in the open areas near the banding area.

Eastern Garter Snake (Thamhophis sirtalis)

A Hermit Thrush banded today was a bit later than expected. 

 

Banding Results for May 9, 2026

16.5 nets open 6:15 - 12:15 (99.0 net hrs)
Temperature: 51-67
Cloud Cover: 100-60-90%
Wind Direction: SW-S
Wind Speed: 1-3-12 mph
Barometer: 29.71 - 29.62
Precipitation: A.M. fog, trace rain
Sunrise: 6:16

Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1
Least Flycatcher - 1
Blue Jay - 2
Tree Swallow - 1
European Starling - 1 (plus 1 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Gray Catbird - 6 (plus 2 recaptured)
Hermit Thrush - 1
Wood Thrush - 2
American Robin - 1 (plus 3 recaptured)
American Goldfinch - 1
White-throated Sparrow - 1
[Song Sparrow - 2 recaptured]
Swamp Sparrow - 1
Baltimore Oriole - 1
Red-winged Blackbird - 2 (plus 1 recaptured)
[Brown-headed Cowbird - 2 recaptured]
Ovenbird - 1
[Northern Waterthrush - 1 recaptured]
Common Yellowthroat - 2
Northern Yellow Warbler - 4 (plus 1 recaptured)

No. of species captured: 20
No. of individuals banded: 29
No. recaptured: 13
No. released unbanded: 1
Capture Rate: 43.4 per 100 net hrs
BirdCast for Wayne Co: 346,100

Bander: Allen Chartier
Assistants: Shelly Andrews, Wren Haynes, Brianna Heflin, Newt Wheeler, Blanche Wicke.
Visitors: 44 (including the OBA Owlets, and a scouting group)
--------------------------------------------

 

Friday, May 15, 2026

The day started out at a chilly 40 degrees, but ended up near normal for the season. Diversity was the highest so far this spring, but the number banded was not particularly high. As with the first, a second Cooper's Hawk was a surprise. This one was also a second-year male, but larger than the previous one, approaching the small side of the scale for a female.

Second-year male Cooper's Hawk

Second-year male Cooper's Hawk

There were several firsts for the year today, including this Swainson's Thrush.

After hatch-year Swainson's Thrush

A small influx of warblers brought this after second-year American Redstart. They do not attain the black and orange plumage until their second spring.

After second-year male American Redstart

The first (3) Magnolia Warblers of the season were captured today. This second-year male was aged by the shapes of its primary coverts and tail feathers. 

Second-year male Magnolia Warbler

The first Wilson's Warbler of the spring was perhaps a bit unexpected as this species' migration peaks in the last half of May.

Second-year male Wilson's Warbler

Banding Results for May 15, 2026

16.5 nets open 6:15 - 12:15 (99.0 net hrs)
Temperature: 40-66
Cloud Cover: 20-100%
Wind Direction: Calm-NNE
Wind Speed: 0-5-10 mph
Barometer: 30.02 - 29.98
Precipitation: None
Sunrise: 6:10

Cooper's Hawk - 1
Downy Woodpecker - 1
Northern Flicker - 1
Least Flycatcher - 1
Eastern Warbling Vireo - 2
[Black-capped Chickadee - 1 recaptured]
[Tree Swallow - 1 recaptured]
Gray Catbird - 3 (plus 1 recaptured)
Veery - 2
Swainson's Thrush - 1
American Goldfinch - 2 (plus 2 recaptured)
White-throated Sparrow - 2
Song Sparrow - 1
Lincoln's Sparrow - 1
Swamp Sparrow - 3
Baltimore Oriole - 1 (plus 2 recaptured)
[Red-winged Blackbird - 3 recaptured, 1 released unbanded]
[Brown-headed Cowbird - 1 recaptured]
Common Grackle - 1
Ovenbird - 3
Northern Waterthrush - 3
Common Yellowthroat - 2
American Redstart - 2
Magnolia Warbler - 3
Northern Yellow Warbler - 4 (plus 1 recatured]
Wilson's Warbler - 1

No. of species captured: 26
No. of individuals banded: 39
No. recaptured: 17
No. released unbanded: 1
Capture Rate: 57.6 per 100 net hrs
BirdCast for Wayne Co: 662,900

Bander: Allen Chartier
Assistants: Mike Charlebois, Marilynn Crowley, Dick Filby, Marissa Jardine, Dave Lancaster, Erika VanKirk, Blanche Wicke.
Visitors: 7
--------------------------------------------

Sunday, May 17, 2026

It was warmer than normal today, with light winds and mostly clear skies.We had great species diversity and a good number of birds banded. Those who opened nets were greeted by this nice sunrise.

There were a few new species for the season banded today, including Willow Flycatcher, Alder Flycatcher, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tennessee Warbler, and Nashville Warbler. The White-throated Sparrow was fairly late. The only photo highlight today was of a species new to the station, a Marsh Wren caught in a net at the edge of the woodland.

After hatch-year Marsh Wren

After hatch-year Marsh Wren

After hatch-year Marsh Wren

There was an increase in the number of Common Yellowthroats, Northern Yellow Warblers, and Swainson's Thrushes today. This big Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) looked like it was looking for a place to lay eggs. 

Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

Members of a hiking club stopped by the station briefly, to watch the banding process and see a couple birds in-hand.  

 

Banding Results for May 17, 2026

16.5 nets open 6:00 - 12:00 (99.0 net hrs)
Temperature: 66-78
Cloud Cover: 20-40%
Wind Direction: SW-SE
Wind Speed: 3-5-7 mph
Barometer: 29.94 - 29.99
Precipitation: None
Sunrise: 6:08

Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 2
Alder Flycatcher - 2
Willow Flycatcher - 1
"Traill's" Flycatcher - 1
Least Flycatcher - 1
Tree Swallow - 1
White-breasted Nuthatch - 1
Marsh Wren - 1
European Starling - 4 (plus 1 recaptured)
Gray Catbird - 6 (plus 4 recaptured)
Swainson's Thrush - 6 (plus 1 recaptured)
American Robin - 3 (plus 2 recaptured)
American Goldfinch - 3 (plus 3 recaptured)
White-throated Sparrow - 1
[Song Sparrow - 1 recaptured]
Lincoln's Sparrow - 3
Baltimore Oriole - 4 (plus 1 recaptured)
Red-winged Blackbird - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
Common Grackle - 1
Ovenbird - 5
Northern Waterthrush - 4
Tennessee Warbler - 1
Nashville Warbler - 2
Common Yellowthroat - 7
American Redstart - 2
Magnolia Warbler - 3 (plus 1 released unbanded)
Northern Yellow Warbler - 6 (plus 5 recaptured)
Palm Warbler - 1
Wilson's Warbler - 1
[Northern Cardinal - 1 recaptured]

No. of species captured: 29
No. of individuals banded: 74
No. recaptured: 20
No. released unbanded: 1
Capture Rate: 96.0 per 100 net hrs
BirdCast for Wayne Co: 789,900

Bander: Allen Chartier
Assistants: Mike Charlebois, Monica Dubray, Danielle Hawkins, Wren Haynes, Marissa Jardine, Nicole Kvasnovsky, Jasper Myles, Blanche Wicke.
Visitors: 37 (including a hiking club)
--------------------------------------------

 

Friday, May 22, 2026

The temperatures dropped back down below average today, with increasing clouds and increasing wind. Species diversity was still good, but number banded was reduced again. Those opening nets were greeted by another nice Belle Isle sunrise. 

Gray Catbirds and American Goldfinches were the most frequently captured birds today. There were some firsts for the season that included a single Gray-cheeked Thrush. The buff-spotted secondary coverts are retained juvenile feathers, which allows this one to be aged as second-year. And, to be honest, the cheeks aren't very gray. The narrower eye ring, without a pale connection to the base of the bill (lack of "spectacles) is the best way to tell them from Swainson's Thrush.

Second-year Gray-cheeked Thrush

Second-year Gray-cheeked Thrush

Two warbler species are expected later migrants, so it is not unusual for the first ones to be banded after mid-May. One is the Black-throated Blue Warbler. Today's was a female. The white patch in the wing is diagnostic, but the head pattern is pretty distinctive as well.

Second-year female Black-throated Blue Warbler

Second-year female Black-throated Blue Warbler

Canada Warblers are scarce migrants in southeastern Michigan, tending to move through in late May. This one was a second-year male.
 

Second-year male Canada Warbler

Banding Results for May 22, 2026

16.5 nets open 6:15 - 12:15 (99.0 net hrs)
Temperature: 50-62
Cloud Cover: 40-100%
Wind Direction: NE
Wind Speed: 5-7-15 mph
Barometer: 30.25 - 30.21
Precipitation: None
Sunrise: 6:04

Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1
[Downy Woodpecker - 2 recaptured]
Alder Flycatcher - 1
Willow Flycatcher - 1
Least Flycatcher - 1
Blue Jay - 1
Northern House Wren - 1
Gray Catbird - 7 (plus 5 recaptured)
Veery - 1
Gray-cheeked Thrush - 1
Swainson's Thrush - 3
[American Robin - 2 recaptured]
Lincoln's Sparrow - 1
[Baltimore Oriole - 1 recaptured]
Red-winged Blackbird - 1 (plus 2 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
[Brown-headed Cowbird - 1 recaptured]
Ovenbird - 1
Nashville Warbler - 1
Magnolia Warbler - 4
Northern Yellow Warbler - 3 (plus 7 recaptured)
Black-throated Blue Warbler - 1
Canada Warbler - 1

No. of species captured: 23
No. of individuals banded: 38
No. recaptured: 22
No. released unbanded: 1
Capture Rate: 61.6 per 100 net hrs
BirdCast for Wayne Co: 104,700

Bander: Allen Chartier
Assistants: Mike Charlebois, Lauri Besler, Dick Filby, Marissa Jardine, Nicole Kvasnovsky, Dave Lancaster, Joshua Samuels, Erika VanKirk, Blanche Wicke.
Visitors: 4
--------------------------------------------

 

Sunday, May 24, 2026

Close to ideal conditions for mist-netting birds today, with seasonally normal temperatures, overcast skies, very little wind, and even a bit of fog in the morning. The results were good diversity and numbers. There were three firsts of the season today, with the Eastern Warbling Vireo not photographed. Chesnut-sided Warbler seems to be less common in spring than it used to be. We should have banded several before today. This after second-year female was aged by the shapes of primary coverts and tail feathers, and sexed by the more limited amount of chestnut on the sides.

After second-year female Chestnut-sided Warbler

After second-year female Chestnut-sided Warbler

Without doubt, the highlight of the day, if not the season, was a new species for the station, and a personal first; Common Nighthawk captured on the first net run. I had to consult the Pyle guide for band size, as well as aging and sexing criteria. I'm pretty sure it was an after second-year male.

After second-year male Common Nighthawk

 

 

After second-year male
Common Nighthawk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After second-year male Common Nighthawk

 

 

 

 

 

After second-year male Common Nighthawk

It was interesting getting a close look at one of the characteristics of nighjars, a "comb-toothed" claw on the middle toe that is used for preening.

After second-year male Common Nighthawk

After banding, I walked it over to the edge of the woods and put it on a log, where it stayed!

After second-year male Common Nighthawk

Today was apparently a peak day for Veery and Swainson's Thrush. 

 

Banding Results for May 24, 2026

16.5 nets open 6:15 - 12:15 (99.0 net hrs)
Temperature: 55-66
Cloud Cover: 100%
Wind Direction: Calm-SE
Wind Speed: 0-3-5 mph
Barometer: 30.04 - 30.05
Precipitation: Fog in A.M.
Sunrise: 6:02

Common Nighthawk - 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1
[Downy Woodpecker - 1 recaptured]
Alder Flycatcher - 2
"Traill's" Flycatcher - 2
Least Flycatcher - 1
Eastern Warbling Vireo - 1
Blue Jay - 1
[White-breasted Nuthatch - 2 recaptured]
European Starling - 2
Gray Catbird - 3 (plus 3 recaptured)
Veery - 5
Swainson's Thrush - 12 (plus 1 recaptured)
American Robin - 2
American Goldfinch - 1
Song Sparrow - 1
Lincoln's Sparrow - 2 (plus 1 recaptured)
Baltimore Oriole - 1 (plus 2 recaptured)
Red-winged Blackbird - 3
Ovenbird - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
Northern Waterthrush - 1
Common Yellowthroat - 7
American Redstart - 1
Magnolia Warbler - 4
Northern Yellow Warbler - 3 (plus 1 recaptured)
Chestnut-sided Warbler - 1
Canada Warbler - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
[Northern Cardinal - 1 recaptured]

No. of species captured: 28
No. of individuals banded: 61
No. recaptured: 15
No. released unbanded: 0
Capture Rate: 76.8 per 100 net hrs
BirdCast for Wayne Co: 328,600

Bander: Allen Chartier
Assistants: Shelly Andrews, Mark Brink, Mike Charlebois, Dick Filby, Wren Haynes, Marissa Jardine, Nicole Kvasnovsky, Lily Pagac, Blanche Wicke.
Visitors: 5
--------------------------------------------

 

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Again, we had close to ideal conditions for mist-netting birds today, but the results were quite different, with reduced species diversity and numbers. One highlight today was two more Wood Thrushes banded, one a male and one a female, both in breeding condition (cloacal protuberance and brood patch). With the old-growth forest mostly dead now due to flooding in recent years, it is encouraging to see this species coming back to breed after an absence of several years. Here is a photo taken from the boardwalk behind the Nature Center showing the old dead trees, with the second growth coming in (the low green layer above the brown marsh vegetation in the foreground.

Two new species for the season were banded today, a Red-eyed Vireo (not photographed) and a nice male Indigo Bunting.

After second-year male Indigo Bunting

After second-year male Indigo Bunting

Later in the morning, I was removing a Red-winged Blackbird from one of the nets when I noticed something moving below me. I thought it might be another bird in the bottom panel of the net, down in the grass that had grown up quickly this spring. But there was no bird. I parted the grass, and found a baby Groundhog (Woodchuck) trying to stay still and hide.

Groundhog (Marmota monax)

The Nature Center staff brought two different school groups to the banding station today, and a third group missed out on seeing the process as they arrived after everything was closed down for the day. 

 

Banding Results for May 28, 2026

16.5 nets open 6:00 - 12:00 (99.0 net hrs)
Temperature: 56-69
Cloud Cover: 0-10%
Wind Direction: Calm-NNE
Wind Speed: 0-7-10 mph
Barometer: 30.08 - 30.16
Precipitation: None
Sunrise: 5:59

Red-eyed Vireo - 1
European Starling - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
Gray Catbird - 6 (plus 3 recaptured)
Wood Thrush - 2
American Robin - 2 (plus 1 released unbanded)
American Goldfinch - 1
Lincoln's Sparrow - 1
Red-winged Blackbird - 4 (plus 3 recaptured)
[Brown-headed Cowbird - 1 recaptured]
Northern Yellow Warbler - 1 (plus 2 recaptured)
Northern Cardinal - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
Indigo Bunting - 1

No. of species captured: 12
No. of individuals banded: 21
No. recaptured: 11
No. released unbanded: 1
Capture Rate: 32.3 per 100 net hrs
BirdCast for Wayne Co: 57,200

Bander: Allen Chartier
Assistants: Mark Brink, Mike Charlebois, Dick Filby, Marissa Jardine, Nicole Kvasnovsky, Dave Lancaster, Leslie Landau, Blanche Wicke
Visitors: 59 (including 2 school groups led by the Nature Center)
--------------------------------------------

 

Saturday, May 30, 2026

Although the temperature today ranged from the upper 50s to mid 60s, the northeast wind made it feel colder. The season ended with a whimper, not a bang, with the lowest diversity and numbers of the entire spring. There were only two firsts for the season, and Eastern Wood-Pewee (not photographed) and an expected late migrant, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.

After hatch-year Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

After hatch-year Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

With both experienced volunteer Wren Haynes, and new volunteer Jasper Myles looking for non-bird highlights, it turned into quite an interesting day. Jasper found a large Eastern Fox Snake (Pantherophis vulpinus), which is a threatened species in Michigan and I don't think I've seen one on Belle Isle before. 

Eastern Fox Snake (Pantherophis vulpinus)

Eastern Fox Snake (Pantherophis vulpinus)

Two dragonfly enthusiasts were on hand today (me and Dick), but we both walked past a smallish one that Wren noticed in one of the nets. She got it out unharmed (she's really good at getting bugs out of mist nets!), and we took it into an open area to photograph it in better light. Dick and I initially thought it might be a species of clubtail, possibly an Ashy or Dusky Clubtail. But after reviewing our photos back at the banding table (birds are first priority), we changed our minds and were pretty sure it was a Harlequin Darner, one of two species in the genus known as Pygmy Darners (Gomphaeschna). There are only a handful of records for Harlequin Darner in the southern Lower Peninsula. But, when I posted my photos to Discord and iNaturalist in the evening, it got even more interesting. It was apparently a Taper-tailed Darner (Gomphaeschna antilopa) instead, which is known from only two or three photographic records in the entire state, as well as a couple of specimens that have now been lost. And definitely a first for Wayne County!

Taper-tailed Darner (Gomphaeschna antilopa)

Had we continued banding into the first week of June, we likely would have banded a few more late migrant warblers, flycatchers, and thrushes, and the first fledglings of American Robin, Common Grackle, and European Starling, but I had a trip to Alaska leaving on June 2nd. So, hopefully next year we'll get a full season covered. 

 

Banding Results for May 30, 2026

16.5 nets open 6:00 - 12:00 (99.0 net hrs)
Temperature: 57-64
Cloud Cover: 30-0%
Wind Direction: NE-ENE
Wind Speed: 7-10-5 mph
Barometer: 30.06 - 30.07
Precipitation: None
Sunrise: 5:58

Northern Flicker - 2
Eastern Wood-Pewee - 1
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - 2
[Black-capped Chickadee - 1 recaptured]
[Gray Catbird - 1 recaptrured]
Swainson's Thrush - 2
[Wood Thrush - 1 recaptured]
American Robin - 1 (plus 1 released unbanded)
Song Sparrow - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
[Baltimore Oriole - 2 recaptured]
Red-winged Blackbird - 1
Common Yellowthroat - 1
[Northern Yellow Warbler - 1 recaptured]
Canada Warbler - 1

No. of species captured: 14
No. of individuals banded: 12
No. recaptured: 7
No. released unbanded: 1
Capture Rate: 20.2 per 100 net hrs
BirdCast for Wayne Co: 38,600

Bander: Allen Chartier
Assistants: Shelly Andrews, Laura Besler, Mike Charlebois, Dick Filby, Wren Haynes, Nicole Kvasnovsky, Jasper Myles, Lily Pagac, Erika VanKirk, Blanche Wicke.
Visitors: 3
--------------------------------------------

 

So, the season ended with 66 species banded (more than last year), and 592 individuals banded (about 50 less than last year). Stay tuned for the full banding report, which should be completed in a few weeks, and posted here. 

-------------------------------------------- 

Belle Isle Bird Banding - April 2026 

A crew of 7 volunteers got the net poles set up on March 21st. The plan for the first week of banding had to be postponed because of rain on the intended banding days, followed by two days with temperatures in the 20s.  The result was that the number of days covered this April was 7 instead of 8. The total number of birds banded this month was 239, which is only 10 less than April of last year. The number of nets in 2025 was 12, which we increased to 16.5 last fall, so the number of net hours per day increased to 99 (44.1 banded per 100 net hrs in 2025, 34.5 in 2026). Despite all the rain in April, the banding area was not as wet as last year. A small vernal pond in one of the trails that had frogs breeding in it last year had none this spring. With the season starting a little later, we missed one over-wintering species, American Tree Sparrow, and banded only a single Dark-eyed Junco. 

 

Thursday, April 9, 2026

The first day of banding was warmer than average for early April, but with windy conditions. Despite rain not being in the forecast, there were three brief bands of light sprinkles, each lasting only a few minutes, that passed through. The total of 40 banded of 19 species was much higher than expected this early in April, especially the number of species. An Eastern Phoebe was a little on the early side for them.

Second-year Eastern Phoebe

The subtle contrast between juvenile and adult type secondary coverts allowed this one to be aged as second-year. 

Second-year Eastern Phoebe

Both species of kinglet were banded today, although the Ruby-crowned was a bit earlier than expected. The fairly worn plumage suggests that this individual might have wintered farther north than normal.

Second-year female Ruby-crowned Kinglet

A Brown Creeper was an expected early migrant, although many do overwinter in our area.

After hatch-year Brown Creeper

After hatch-year Brown Creeper

I think of April as "sparrow month", and 5 species were banded today. The White-throated Sparrows were probably overwintering individuals, as they don't usually start migrating into Michigan until after mid-April.

After hatch-year White-throated Sparrow

The two Fox Sparrows were an expected early migrant.

After hatch-year Fox Sparrow

The Field Sparrow is also an early migrant, but is typically fairly scarce at banding stations in woodlands. 

After hatch-year Field Sparrow

Small numbers of Northern Flickers overwinter in southeastern Michigan, but there had clearly been an early influx of them, and we banded 3 today.

Second-year male Northern Flicker

The biggest surprise today was an after second-year male Rusty Blackbird, which was only the 16th one I've ever banded in my life.

After second-year male Rusty Blackbird

After second-year male Rusty Blackbird

After second-year male Rusty Blackbird

The relatively warm temperatures today brought out this Butler's Garter Snake, a fairly range-restricted species that seems to be common on Belle Isle.

Butler's Garter Snake (Thamnophis butleri)

Banding Results for April 9, 2026

16.5 nets open 6:45 - 12:45 (99.0 net hrs)
Temperature: 51-64
Cloud Cover: 80-100%
Wind Direction: S-SW
Wind Speed: 7-10-15 mph
Barometer: 30.13 - 30.14
Precipitation: Intermittent Light Rain
Sunrise: 7:01

Northern Flicker - 3
Eastern Phoebe - 1
[Black-capped Chickadee - 2 recaptured]
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 2
Brown Creeper - 1
Winter Wren - 1
European Starling - 1
Hermit Thrush - 7
American Robin - 3 (plus 1 recaptured)
American Goldfinch - 1
Field Sparrow - 1
Fox Sparrow - 2
White-throated Sparrow - 5 (plus 1 recaptured)
Song Sparrow - 6 (plus 3 recaptured)
Swamp Sparrow - 2
Red-winged Blackbird - 1
Rusty Blackbird - 1
Northern Cardinal - 1

No. of species captured: 19
No. of individuals banded: 40
No. recaptured: 7
No. released unbanded: 0
Capture Rate: 47.5 per 100 net hrs
BirdCast for Wayne Co: 752,900

Bander: Allen Chartier
Assistants: Shelly Andrews, Mike Charlebois, Marilynn Crowley, Jacob Pitcher, Joshua Samuels.
Visitors: 1
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Saturday, April 11, 2026 

Temperatures were more normal today, with little wind but clearing skies lit up the nets eventually. It was another surprisingly diverse day, with 20 species and 50 individuals banded. Hermit Thrushes were the dominant species captured today, with 12. A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher today was a bit on the early side.  The black eyebrow indicated that this was a male.

After hatch-year male Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Carolina Wrens are year-round residents on Belle Isle, and can have fairly large territories so are not often captured. 

After hatch-year Carolina Wren

Eastern Towhees only rarely overwinter, with Belle Isle a good place to see them. But they are also an early migrant, which is likely the case with this female.

After hatch-year female Eastern Towhee

After hatch-year female Eastern Towhee

The two Yellow-rumped Warblers banded today may have been the earliest I've ever banded anywhere.

Second-year male Yellow-rumped Warbler

Belle Isle is a good place to see overwintering and migrant Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. Today's female (note her white throat) was only the 16th I've ever banded, but hopefully we'll band them every year in the future here.

After second-year female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Banding Results for April 11, 2026

16.5 nets open 6:30 - 12:30 (99.0 net hrs)
Temperature: 39-48
Cloud Cover: 100-0%
Wind Direction: NE-SE
Wind Speed: 3-5-7 mph
Barometer: 30.42 - 30.46
Precipitation: None
Sunrise: 6:57

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 1
Downy Woodpecker - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
[Northern Flicker - 1 released unbanded]
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 2
Brown Creeper - 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 1
Carolina Wren - 1
Hermit Thrush - 12 (plus 1 recaptured)
American Robin - 1 (plus 2 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
American Goldfinch - 5
Fox Sparrow - 3
Dark-eyed Junco - 1
White-throated Sparrow - 5 (plus 1 recaptured)
Song Sparrow - 2 (plus 2 recaptured)
Swamp Sparrow - 4 (plus 1 recaptured)
Eastern Towhee - 1
Red-winged Blackbird - 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 2
Northern Cardinal - 1

No. of species captured: 20
No. of individuals banded: 50
No. recaptured: 8
No. released unbanded: 2
Capture Rate: 60.6 per 100 net hrs
BirdCast for Wayne Co: 400

Bander: Allen Chartier
Assistants: Laura Besler, Alexa Blankenship, Mike Charlebois, Grace Goetting, Pierre Hendricks, Marissa Jardine, Kathy McDonald, Lily Pagac, Erika VanKirk
Visitors: 4
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Friday, April 17, 2026 

Today was warmer than average, which also brought us fog for most of the morning. It was another fairly productive and diverse day, with 42 individuals of 15 species banded. We had our first Tree Swallow of the season, which normally forage well above the height of our nets. Thanks to the fog, they were foraging lower. It was also a great day for Brown Thrashers, with 3 banded today.

Second-year Brown Thrasher

Because we caught two on one net run, we could compare their eye colors. Hatch-years have "dull yellow" eyes, and after hatch-years have "lemon yellow".  That probably works best in fall, as the rate of eye color change can be variable. The two in the photo below could actually be the same age (second-year), but the more orange-eyed one I feel confident calling a second year, while the other is best left as the less-specific age of after hatch-year.

Second year (left) and after hatch-year Brown Thrashers

Second-year Brown Thrasher

White-throated Sparrows have started to migrate, as evidenced by the number banded today, as well as the obvious difference between those in active body feather molt (likely winter residents) and those in pristine plumage (migrants from farther south that molted before migrating).

  

Banding Results for April 17, 2026

16.5 nets open 6:30 - 12:30 (99.0 net hrs)
Temperature: 53-65
Cloud Cover: 100-20-90%
Wind Direction: Calm-S
Wind Speed: 0-5-7 mph
Barometer: 29.97 - 30.02
Precipitation: Fog until 11 a.m.
Sunrise: 6:47

Northern Flicker - 1
Blue Jay - 3
[Black-capped Chickadee - 1 recaptured]
Tree Swallow - 1
European Starling - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
Brown Thrasher - 3
Hermit Thrush - 5 (plus 1 recaptured)
American Robin - 2
American Goldfinch - 1
White-throated Sparrow - 10 (plus 2 recaptured)
Song Sparrow - 2 (plus 1 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Swamp Sparrow - 5 (plus 1 released unbanded)
Red-winged Blackbird - 5 (plus 1 recaptured)
Brown-headed Cowbird - 1
Northern Cardinal - 2

No. of species captured: 15
No. of individuals banded: 42
No. recaptured: 7
No. released unbanded: 2
Capture Rate: 51.5 per 100 net hrs
BirdCast for Wayne Co: 8100

Bander: Allen Chartier
Assistants: Alexa Blankenship, Mike Charlebois, Luke Grange, Jacob Pitcher, Erika VanKirk, Blanche Wicke.
Visitors: 2
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Sunday, April 19, 2026 

It was cooler than normal today, with winds giving us a wind chill. And then, for a couple minutes, we had snow! Species diversity and numbers were lower today, but we managed to show a few banded birds to two different groups that the nature center staff brought by. The only photo highlight of the day was a Blue-headed Vireo, which was the earliest in the spring that I've ever banded one.

After hatch-year Blue-headed Vireo

After hatch-year Blue-headed Vireo

White-throated Sparrows were the bird of the day, with 14 banded. Two more Brown Thrashers brought the season total to 5.

 

Banding Results for April 19, 2026

16.5 nets open 6:30 - 12:30 (99.0 net hrs)
Temperature: 41-47
Cloud Cover: 60-10-80%
Wind Direction: W
Wind Speed: 7-10-15 mph
Barometer: 30.06 - 30.07
Precipitation: Trace of snow
Sunrise: 6:44

Blue-headed Vireo - 1
Blue Jay - 1
Brown Thrasher - 2 (plus 1 recaptured)
Hermit Thrush - 6
American Robin - 1
American Goldfinch - 3 (plus 1 recaptured)
White-throated Sparrow - 14 (plus 3 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
[Song Sparrow - 1 recaptured]
Swamp Sparrow - 4 (plus 2 recaptured)
Red-winged Blackbird - 5
Brown-headed Cowbird - 1

No. of species captured: 11
No. of individuals banded: 38
No. recaptured: 8
No. released unbanded: 1
Capture Rate: 47.5 per 100 net hrs
BirdCast for Wayne Co: 100

Bander: Allen Chartier
Assistants: Cass Arsenault, Lauri Besler, Alexa Blankenship, Mike Charlebois, Wren Haynes, Brianna Heflin, Guy Lenk, Nolan Lenk, Newt Weheeler, Blanche Wicke.
Visitors: 26
--------------------------------------------

 

Thursday, April 23, 2026

The temperatures swung back to above normal today, but migration seems slow and the diversity and number banded was the lowest so far this month. A White-tailed Deer tore a big hole in one of the nets today. Two more Tree Swallows were banded today, but the clear highlight was the second-year female Sharp-shinned Hawk. 

Second-year female Sharp-shinned Hawk

She was basically in her first plumage, with brown upperparts and streaked underparts. Some second-year birds will molt more grayish flight and back feathers, but some will not. Measurements determined her sex, as females are larger than males with no overlap. And she was too small to be a male Cooper's.

Second-year female Sharp-shinned Hawk

Second-year female Sharp-shinned Hawk

Red-winged Blackbird topped the list of most banded today, with only 6. 

 

Banding Results for April 23, 2026

16.5 nets open 6:30 - 12:30 (99.0 net hrs)
Temperature: 49-67
Cloud Cover: 0-20%
Wind Direction: NE-SE
Wind Speed: 1-3-5 mph
Barometer: 30.00 - 29.94
Precipitation: None
Sunrise: 6:38

Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1
Northern Flicker - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
Blue Jay - 1
Tree Swallow - 2
[Hermit Thrush - 1 recaptured]
American Robin - 1
American Goldfinch - 3 (plus 1 recaptured)
White-throated Sparrow - 3 (plus 2 recaptured)
Song Sparrow - 1
Swamp Sparrow - 1
Red-winged Blackbird - 6 (plus 1 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Northern Cardinal - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)

No. of species captured: 12
No. of individuals banded: 20
No. recaptured: 7
No. released unbanded: 1
Capture Rate: 28.3 per 100 net hrs
BirdCast for Wayne Co: 156,500

Bander: Allen Chartier
Assistants: Mike Charlebois, Marissa Jardine, Kathy McDonald, Jasper Myles, Jacob Pitcher, Blanche Wicke.
Visitors: 5
--------------------------------------------

 

Sunday, April 26, 2026

Today was about 10 degrees below normal, with lower numbers banded once again. Today's highlights included two firsts for the season, a Northern House Wren and two Palm Warblers.

After hatch-year Northern House Wren

It can be difficult to determine the sex of Palm Warblers, but I feel fairly confident that those with extensive rufous caps (measured) are males. This one had a cap extending for 16mm.

After hatch-year male Palm Warbler

White-throated Sparrows led the totals today with 14.

 

Banding Results for April 26, 2026

16.5 nets open 6:15 - 12:15 (99.0 net hrs)
Temperature: 44-57
Cloud Cover: 20-60%
Wind Direction: N-E
Wind Speed: 1-3-7 mph
Barometer: 30.08 - 30.16
Precipitation: None
Sunrise: 6:33

Northern House Wren - 1
American Robin - 3 (plus 2 recaptured)
American Goldfinch - 5
White-throated Sparrow - 14 (plus 2 recaptured)
Swamp Sparrow - 5
Red-winged Blackbird - 6 (plus 1 recaptured)
Palm Warbler - 2

No. of species captured: 7
No. of individuals banded: 36
No. recaptured: 5
No. released unbanded: 0
Capture Rate: 41.4 per 100 net hrs
BirdCast for Wayne Co: 400

Bander: Allen Chartier
Assistants: Alexa Blankenship, Mike Charlebois, Wren Haynes, Guy Lenk, Nolan Lenk, Jacob Pitcher, Blanche Wicke.
Visitors: 8
--------------------------------------------

 

Thursday, April 30, 2026 

Our final banding day of the month was below normal in temperature, and was also the slowest banding day for numbers and diversity. The species with the most banded was White-throated Sparrow with 5, followed by Ruby-crowned Kinglet with 3. There are no photo highlights from today. Another White-tailed Deer put a hole in another net, the second one this spring.

 

Banding Results for April 30, 2026

16.5 nets open 6:15 - 12:15 (99.0 net hrs)
Temperature: 43-53
Cloud Cover: 100-90%
Wind Direction: NW-WNW
Wind Speed: 3-5-10 mph
Barometer: 29.93 - 29.96
Precipitation: Trace of rain
Sunrise: 6:28

Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 3
[Northern House Wren - 1 recaptured]
Hermit Thrush - 1
American Robin - 2 (plus 1 recaptured)
White-throated Sparrow - 5
Swamp Sparrow - 1
[Red-winged Blackbird - 1 recaptured]
[Brown-headed Cowbird - 1 recaptured]
Northern Cardinal - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)

No. of species captured: 9
No. of individuals banded: 13
No. recaptured: 5
No. released unbanded: 0
Capture Rate: 18.2 per 100 net hrs
BirdCast for Wayne Co: 0

Bander: Allen Chartier
Assistants: Mike Charlebois, Dick Filby, Marissa Jardine, Nicole Kvasnovsky, Dave Lancaster, Jasper Myles, Jacob Pitcher, Blanche Wicke.
Visitors: 0
--------------------------------------------