Lake St. Clair Metropark bird banding report - May 4-18, 2018

Banding in the first half of May was a wild ride! Three of the four days detailed here each saw more than 100 new birds banded, including one day that was the second best spring day ever with 169 banded. And this is despite some weather challenges that shortened the time nets were open on two days. There was a good mix of unusually late species, early arrivals, and a rarity or two as well.

Highlights of the 169 birds banded on May 4, which was shortened to only 4.5 hours of effort by high winds, included a good late-season showing by Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and the first Veery and Gray Catbirds of the season.  Most years, Yellow Warblers arrive here in late April, and nearly always are captured before the end of that month. But this year we had to wait until today for our first splash of Yellow, with a good bunch of them banded (17).

After second-year male Yellow Warbler

Among the 8 species of warbler banded today was a good total of 8 Palm Warblers, the first of the spring.

After second-year male Palm Warbler

Other first warblers of the season was an Ovenbird, and 10 Common Yellowthroats.

After hatch-year Ovenbird

After second-year male Common Yellowthroat

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are typically banded in this park in small numbers, and sometimes none in any given year. Today's was a nice male, showing off his powerful beak.

Second-year male Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Second-year male Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Record late was an American Tree Sparrow, the first ever banded in the park in the month of May.

After hatch-year American Tree Sparrow

Today's Field Sparrow was the 4th of the spring, which is above average for this park, while the Savannah Sparrow was only about the 10th ever banded here.

After hatch-year Savannah Sparrow

After hatch-year Savannah Sparrow

The White-crowned Sparrow and Lincoln's Sparrows (6) that were the first of the season today, were right on schedule.

After hatch-year White-crowned Sparrow

After hatch-year Lincoln's Sparrow

An unexpected capture, even though 3 were banded in early April, was a male Pine Siskin that was even more unusual because it had a cloacal protuberance, a sign of local breeding. Most years, if Pine Siskins come as far south as our station, they typically head back north by the end of March. In 2009 there was an unusual breeding event that was widespread across the entire southern Lower Peninsula.

Second-year male Pine Siskin

An important food source for migratory birds in spring, especially along the Great Lakes shorelines, is the hatch of tiny flies called midges (Chironomidae). Some are about the size of mosquitos (maybe 10mm long), but the ones that were prevalent today were tiny, only about 2 mm long, and the high winds were keeping them low to the ground, which surely contributed to the large number of birds banded today.

Midge sp. (Chironomidae)

Among the interesting species observed but not banded today were two flyover calling Common Loons, a flyover Osprey, and a singing Yellow-throated Warbler, possibly only the 2nd or 3rd for the park, that was tantalizing us all morning as it sang nearly non-stop for hours starting at about 7 a.m. Eventually other birders found it and got good photos.

Highlights of the 126 birds banded on May 6 included the third White-eyed Vireo at this new site, the 12th in the park since 2004, and 19th since 1994.

After hatch-year White-eyed Vireo

A Winter Wren was record late, and the first ever banded in the park in the month of May.

After hatch-year Winter Wren

The only previous May record of a Golden-crowned Kinglet in the park that I'm aware of was one that had a minor healed wing injury that was recaptured after it was banded in late April. This spring, multiple individuals were still hanging around past the first week of May, which is very unusual.

Second-year female Golden-crowned Kinglet (caught here blinking)

It was another good late-season day for Ruby-crowned Kinglets (12), and the first Swainson's Thrush of the season was banded today. Northern Parulas are captured very infrequently in this park, and very rarely in spring, so it was nice to have one today.

After second-year female Northern Parula

After second-year female Northern Parula

Two more first of season warblers today were single Magnolia and Black-throated Green, and 2 Black-and-whites. Of these, the Black-throated Green is the most unusual with typically only one or two in any season banded.

After second-year male Magnolia Warbler

Second-year male Black-throated Green Warbler

Second-year male Black-and-white Warbler

It was a good day for warblers overall, with 59 individuals of 11 species captured, and the 20 Yellow-rumped Warblers was an excellent number. Today's male Indigo Bunting was a nice surprise, as only one or two are banded here each year, while the season's first Baltimore Oriole was a little overdue.

Second-year male Indigo Bunting

After second-year male Baltimore Oriole

Interesting birds observed, but not banded, included a Red-headed Woodpecker calling briefly, singing Tennessee and Bay-breasted Warblers, and a somewhat late singing Eastern Towhee.

Highlights of the 61 birds banded on May 12 were hard-earned and largely undocumented by photos. Rain delayed our opening a reduced number of nets, and once the rain cleared we only got a couple more hours of catching before the rain returned, more serious and continuous. I was concentrating on getting the last 40 birds from the last net run banded rather than on photography. Thanks to the Nature Center for providing a pop-up canopy for us to work under, since my own canopy had gotten blown over earlier in the morning by the only gust of wind (!), which broke two of its legs. A second-year male Sharp-shinned Hawk was notable, as this species is only captured once ever 2-4 years here. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers seemed to be very sparse in late April, when they are typically quite common, so the season's first banded today was considered overdue.

Second-year male Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

The first Blue-winged Warbler at the new meadow station, and only the 12th banded in the park since 1992.

Second-year male Blue-winged Warbler

Second-year male Blue-winged Warbler

Among the highlights that were not photographed there was a male Blackpoll Warbler, which was only the 8th in the park in spring. They are much more commonly banded in fall. So, I have cheated a bit to include a photo of male Blackpoll that was taken at another station, the E.L. Johnson Nature Center in Oakland County, on a great day we had on May 15 (4 male Blackpolls banded!).

After second-year male Blackpoll Warbler

And since I'm cheating now, I have to indulge myself a bit to include another bird banded on May 15 at E.L. Johnson, a beautiful male Scarlet Tanager, only the 3rd banded there in 29 years (only 6 have been banded at Lake St. Clair Metropark since 1989).

Second-year male Scarlet Tanager at E.L. Johnson Nature Center

Second-year male Scarlet Tanager at E.L. Johnson Nature Center

Today's interesting insect came off the Sharp-shinned Hawk. It was a species of fly that is flattened as an adaptation to living among bird feathers, where they drink the blood of the birds, most often at the bases of feathers growing in when they have a blood supply. Often called "flat flies", the correct name is Louse Flies (Hippoboscidae), and this one was bigger (1/2 inch) than others I've seen on sparrows and thrushes.

Louse Fly (Hippoboscidae)

Interesting birds observed today, but not banded, included a briefly singing Mourning Warbler, and a somewhat late White-throated Sparrow.

Highlights of the 132 birds banded on May 18 included the first (4) Ruby-throated Hummingbirds of the spring. Today's Gray-cheeked Thrush was the first of the spring, while the season's first Tennessee Warbler was unusual because like Blackpolls, they are much more commonly captured in fall.

After second-year male Tennessee Warbler

Today's Northern Parula, a somewhat dull second-year male, was the 3rd this spring, which is more than normal.

Second-year male Northern Parula

Second-year male Northern Parula

The first Wilson's Warblers of the spring made a bit splash, with 8 banded today.

After second-year male Wilson's Warbler

Always rare, especially in spring, was a Connecticut Warbler, which was only the 20th ever banded in the park, and only the 4th in spring.

After second-year male Connecticut Warbler

After second-year male Connecticut Warbler

After second-year male Connecticut Warbler

Among the 83 warblers of 12 species, four warbler species dominated the captures today, with  15 Yellow, 20 Magnolia, 18 American Redstarts (first of season!), and 14 Common Yellowthroats.

Undetected in the banding area until today, it was surprising to catch the 3rd Orchard Oriole at this station, and only the 4th ever in the park.

Second-year male Orchard Oriole

Second-year male Orchard Oriole

Interesting birds observed, but not banded, included singing Eastern Wood-Pewee and Eastern Kingbird, flyover Purple Martins, and singing Blackburnian, Blackpoll, and Black-and-white warblers,

I want to thank the following volunteers, without whom banding could not have been conducted on these four days, but who also endured sometimes difficult conditions to get the job done. Thanks to John Bieganowski, Jacob Charlebois, Mike Charlebois, Guadalupe Cummins, Tamika Jaja, Jac Kyle, Dave Lancaster, Harry Lau, Rose Lau, Tessa Lau, Michelle Serreyn, and Blanche Wicke.

Detailed Bird Banding Results

May 4, 2018

Time open (E.S.T.):  5:45
Time closed (E.S.T.): 10:15
Hours Open: 4.5
Sunrise (E.S.T.): 5:23
Net Hours: 72.25
Temperature (F):  57-72
Cloud Cover: 100-60%
Wind Direction: SE-WSW
Wind Speed (mph): 7-10-15+ (high winds forced early close)
Barometer: 29.75 - 29.69
Precipitation:  Trace rain after close
No. Banded: 169 (plus 14 recaptured, 4 released unbanded)
Species Captured:  30
Capture Rate (#/100 net hours): 258.8
Banding Assistants (9.25 hours worked): Mike Charlebois, Guadalupe Cummins, Dave Lancaster (8.5 hrs), Blanche Wicke.

Blue Jay - 1
House Wren - 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 16
Veery - 1
Hermit Thrush - 3
[American Robin - 2 recaptured]
Gray Catbird - 2 (plus 1 released unbanded)
Orange-crowned Warbler - 1
Nashville Warbler - 2
Yellow Warbler - 17 (plus 4 recaptured)
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 12 (plus 1 released unbanded)
Palm Warbler - 8
Ovenbird - 1
Northern Waterthrush - 5
Common Yellowthroat - 10
American Tree Sparrow - 1
Field Sparrow - 1
Savannah Sparrow - 1
[Song Sparrow - 1 recaptured]
Lincoln's Sparrow - 6
Swamp Sparrow - 16
White-throated Sparrow - 27
White-crowned Sparrow - 1 (plus 1 released unbanded)
[Northern Cardinal - 2 recaptured]
Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1
Red-winged Blackbird - 20 (plus 3 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Common Grackle - 1
Brown-headed Cowbird - 1
Pine Siskin - 1
American Goldfinch - 12 (plus 2 recaptured)
-----------------------------------------------

May 6, 2018

Time open (E.S.T.): 5:45
Time closed (E.S.T.): 12:45
Hours Open: 7.00
Sunrise (E.S.T.):  5:20
Net Hours: 116.00
Temperature (F): 55-66
Cloud Cover: 100-60-80%
Wind Direction: Calm-SE-NE
Wind Speed (mph): 0-5-7
Barometer: 29.98 - 29.97
Precipitation: None
No. Banded: 126 (plus 19 recaptured, 6 released unbanded)
Species Captured: 35
Capture Rate (#/100 net hours): 130.2
Banding Assistants (9.25 hours worked): Mike Charlebois, Tamika Jaja (7.5 hrs), Jacob Charlebois (4.25 hrs), Michelle Serreyn, Blanche Wicke.

White-eyed Vireo - 1
Warbling Vireo - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
Blue Jay - 2
Tree Swallow - 1
[Black-capped Chickadee - 1 recaptured]
White-breasted Nuthatch - 1
House Wren - 4 (plus 1 recaptured)
Winter Wren - 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 12
Swainson's Thrush - 1
American Robin - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
Gray Catbird - 1
European Starling - 1
Orange-crowned Warbler - 1
Nashville Warbler - 3
Northern Parula - 1
Yellow Warbler - 15 (plus 7 recaptured, 2 released unbanded)
Magnolia Warbler - 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 20
Black-throated Green Warbler - 1
Palm Warbler - 5
Black-and-white Warbler - 2
Northern Waterthrush - 1
[Common Yellowthroat - 2 recaptured]
Song Sparrow - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
Lincoln's Sparrow - 2 (plus 1 recaptured)
Swamp Sparrow - 1
White-throated Sparrow - 2 (plus 1 recaptured)
White-crowned Sparrow - 1
Indigo Bunting - 1
Red-winged Blackbird - 32 (plus 2 recaptured, 4 released unbanded)
Brown-headed Cowbird - 1
Baltimore Oriole - 1
American Goldfinch - 6 (plus 1 recaptured)
-----------------------------------------------

May 12, 2018

Time open (E.S.T.): 6:45 (rain delayed open)
Time closed (E.S.T.): 8:45 (rain forced early close)
Hours Open: 2.0
Sunrise (E.S.T.): 5:13
Net Hours: 23.00
Temperature (F): 43-46
Cloud Cover: 100%
Wind Direction: NE
Wind Speed (mph): 7-10-12
Barometer: 30.08 - 30.17
Precipitation:  Rain @ 8:30+
No. Banded: 61 (plus 9 recaptured, 2 released unbanded)
Species Captured: 23
Capture Rate (#/100 net hours): 313.0
Banding Assistants (8.0 hours worked): Mike Charlebois, Jac Kyle (6.5 hrs), Blanche Wicke.

Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1
Northern Flicker - 1
Least Flycatcher - 1
Warbling Vireo - 1
House Wren - 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 1
Swainson's Thrush - 4
American Robin - 1
Gray Catbird - 2
Blue-winged Warbler - 1
Orange-crowned Warbler - 1
Yellow Warbler - 9 (plus 5 recaptured)
Magnolia Warbler - 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 8
Palm Warbler - 7 (plus 1 released unbanded)
Blackpoll Warbler - 1
Northern Waterthrush - 2
Canada Warbler - 1
[Song Sparrow - 1 recaptured]
Lincoln's Sparrow - 6
Swamp Sparrow - 6
Red-winged Blackbird - 4 (plus 1 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Baltimore Oriole - 1 (plus 2 recaptured)
-----------------------------------------------

May 18, 2018

Time open (E.S.T.): 5:45
Time closed (E.S.T.): 12:45
Hours Open: 7.0
Sunrise (E.S.T.):  5:07
Net Hours: 116.00
Temperature (F): 50-71
Cloud Cover: 40-70%
Wind Direction: NNE
Wind Speed (mph): 7-10
Barometer: 30.20 - 30.17
Precipitation:  None
No. Banded: 132 (plus 23 recaptured, 3 released unbanded)
Species Captured: 33
Capture Rate (#/100 net hours): 136.2
Banding Assistants (9.5 hours worked): John Bieganowski, Mike Charlebois, Harry Lau, Rose Lau, Tessa Lau, Blanche Wicke.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 4
[Downy Woodpecker - 1 recaptured]
Least Flycatcher - 1
Warbling Vireo - 4 (plus 1 recaptured)
House Wren - 1
Swainson's Thrush - 6
Gray-cheeked Thrush - 1
American Robin - 1
Gray Catbird - 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 3
Tennessee Warbler - 1
Nashville Warbler - 2
Northern Parula - 1
Yellow Warbler - 15 (plus 10 recaptured, 2 released unbanded)
Chestnut-sided Warbler - 1
Magnolia Warbler - 20
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 1
American Redstart - 18
[Northern Waterthrush - 1 recaptured]
Connecticut Warbler - 1
Common Yellowthroat - 14
Wilson's Warbler - 8
[Song Sparrow - 1 recaptured]
Lincoln's Sparrow - 4
Swamp Sparrow - 1 (plus 1 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
White-crowned Sparrow - 1
Northern Cardinal - 2
Red-winged Blackbird - 10 (plus 5 recaptured)
Common Grackle - 2
[Brown-headed Cowbird - 1 recaptured)
Orchard Oriole - 1
Baltimore Oriole - 4 (plus 1 recaptured)
[American Goldfinch - 1 recaptured]
-----------------------------------------------

Lake St. Clair Metropark bird banding report - April 20-29, 2018

Temperatures in the last half of April were better than the first half, but still didn't reach what is considered average for this time of year. Early migrants dominated through the end of the month, with unprecedented numbers of Golden-crowned Kinglets much later than normal, with very few warblers. Yellow Warblers usually arrive before the end of April, but not this spring.

Highlights of the 74 birds banded on April 20 included the first Northern Flickers (2) of the spring.

After second-year male Northern (Yellow-shafted) Flicker

After second-year male Northern (Yellow-shafted) Flicker

The first (4) Yellow-rumped Warblers of the spring were captured today as well. Back at the marsh station, this species was not captured in late April very often even though they are usually fairly common then.

After hatch-year male Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler

After hatch-year male Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler

This bright White-throated Sparrow was the only one captured today, but was the first of the spring season.

After hatch-year White-throated Sparrow

The most interesting bird observed, but not banded, was a Pileated Woodpecker that flew over the banding station and landed briefly behind the nature center. A few years ago there were sightings of this species, the first ever in the park, but in recent years has remained very elusive. We also had flyover Common Loon, Purple Martins, and Pine Siskins, as well as nearby drumming Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers.

Highlights of the 80 birds banded on April 21 included 3 more Northern Flickers, and an excellent total of 13 Golden-crowned Kinglets.

Second-year male Golden-crowned Kinglet

Other early-season species captured today, some in good numbers, included Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Brown Creeper, American Tree Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, and Dark-eyed Junco. Interesting birds observed, but not banded, included an American Bittern calling from the marsh far to the north, drumming Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, an Eastern Towhee, and a flyover Pine Siskin.

Highlights of the 108 birds banded on April 27 included the first (4) House Wrens of the spring, which were pretty much on schedule despite the tardiness of many early spring species.

After hatch-year House Wren

It was another good day for kinglets, with 10 Golden-crowned and 17 Ruby-crowned; the latter was nearly double the previous spring record (9 on 27 April 2007). And the 20 Hermit Thrushes beat the previous spring record of 12 set on 17 April 2013. Four more Yellow-rumped Warblers were nice, and a single Northern Waterthrush was unexpected, and a bit early.

After hatch-year male Northern Waterthrush

If you look carefully at the photo above (click on it to enlarge), you can see narrow white tips on the outer tail feathers, which suggests this is a male.

After hatch-year male Northern Waterthrush

The lightly spotted throat, narrower supercilium behind the eye, and smaller bill, distinguish the Northern Waterthrush from Louisiana Waterthrush, which migrates earlier but has only been banded in the park once. This nice male Eastern Towhee was the second of the spring.

Second-year male Eastern Towhee

Second-year male Eastern Towhee

A single American Tree Sparrow tied the record late date for banding this species in the park, although they have been seen as late as April 29 here.

After hatch-year American Tree Sparrow

The Dark-eyed Junco banded today was record late, but not too unexpected as they linger into early May in many years. Interesting birds observed, but not banded, included a Forster's Tern diving for fish in a small pond only about 20 yards behind the banding table, a singing Savannah Sparrow adjacent to the meadow, and a singing Purple Finch near the feeders that we were hoping would be captured, but it was not.

Highlights of the 47 birds banded on April. 29 included the 7th Northern Flicker of the spring, exceeding the previous spring record of 4, but still short of the fall record of 10. Golden-crowned Kinglets (3) today continued to be notable, as most have departed by April 20 most years.

Second-year female Golden-crowned Kinglet

All the Golden-crowned Kinglets in the past two days (10 on the 27th and 3 today) were females, indicating the end of their migration. Surprisingly, no Yellow-rumped Warblers were seen or heard in the banding area today, but one warbler was captured, an Orange-crowned.

After hatch-year male Orange-crowned Warbler

The orange in the crown is nearly impossible to see in the field, and even in-hand can be overlooked unless the crown feathers are moved aside...they are barely visible in the photo below.

After hatch-year male Orange-crowned Warbler

 Among the small number of sparrows banded today was the 3rd Field Sparrow of the season.

Interesting birds observed, but not banded, included flyover Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Caspian Tern, Belted Kingfisher, Purple Martin, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, and Barn Swallow. There was also a single American Tree Sparrow at the Nature Center feeders (thanks Blanche!).

Banding on these 4 days would not have been possible without the help of the following volunteers: Jenifer Benke, John Bieganowski, Mike Charlebois, Guadalupe Cummins, Edie Schmitz, Michelle Serreyn, and Blanche Wicke.

Detailed Bird Banding Results

April 20, 2018

Time open (E.S.T.): 6:00
Time closed (E.S.T.): 12:45
Hours Open: 6.75
Sunrise (E.S.T.): 5:43
Net Hours: 107.75
Temperature (F):  34-52
Cloud Cover: 20-0%
Wind Direction: NW-NE
Wind Speed (mph): 1-3-10
Barometer: 30.42 - 30.50
Precipitation:  None
No. Banded: 74 (plus 17 recaptured, 2 released unbanded)
Species Captured: 23
Capture Rate (#/100 net hours): 86.3
Banding Assistants (9.0 hours worked): John Bieganowski (8.25 hrs), Mike Charlebois (7.5 hrs), Blanche Wicke.

Northern Flicker - 2
Eastern Phoebe - 1
Tree Swallow - 1
[Black-capped Chickadee - 1 recaptured]
Brown Creeper - 1
Winter Wren - 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1
Hermit Thrush - 8
American Robin - 1 (plus 1 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 4
Eastern Towhee - 1
American Tree Sparrow - 2 (plus 2 recaptured)
Field Sparrow - 1
Fox Sparrow - 5 (plus 1 released unbanded)
Song Sparrow - 18 (plus 2 recaptured)
Swamp Sparrow - 6
White-throated Sparrow - 1
Dark-eyed Junco - 3 (plus 1 recaptured)
Red-winged Blackbird - 5 (plus 2 recaptured)
Brown-headed Cowbird - 1
American Goldfinch - 7 (plus 8 recaptured)
House Sparrow - 1
-----------------------------------------------

April 21, 2018

Time open (E.S.T.): 5:45
Time closed (E.S.T.): 13:00
Hours Open: 7.25
Sunrise (E.S.T.):  5:41
Net Hours: 113.25
Temperature (F): 32-50
Cloud Cover: 30-100%
Wind Direction: Calm-ENE
Wind Speed (mph): 0-7
Barometer: 30.50 - 30.45
Precipitation: None
No. Banded: 80 (plus 29 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Species Captured: 20
Capture Rate (#/100 net hours): 97.1
Banding Assistants (10.0 hours worked): Jenifer Benke, Mike Charlebois, Guadalupe Cummins.

Northern Flicker - 3
Tree Swallow - 1
[Black-capped Chickadee - 1 recaptured]
[White-breasted Nuthatch - 1 recaptured]
Winter Wren - 2
Brown Creeper - 6
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 13
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1
Hermit Thrush - 9
American Robin - 2 (plus 2 recaptured)
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 1
American Tree Sparrow - 7
Fox Sparrow - 2
Song Sparrow - 11 (plus 4 recaptured)
Swamp Sparrow - 3 (plus 1 recaptured)
Dark-eyed Junco - 8 (plus 1 recaptured)
Northern Cardinal - 1 (plus 2 recaptured)
Red-winged Blackbird - 2 (plus 1 recaptured)
[House Finch - 1 recaptured]
American Goldfinch - 8 (plus 15 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
-----------------------------------------------

April 27, 2018

Time open (E.S.T.): 5:45
Time closed (E.S.T.): 12:45 
Hours Open: 7.0
Sunrise (E.S.T.): 5:33
Net Hours: 116.00
Temperature (F): 43-63
Cloud Cover: 30-100%
Wind Direction: Calm-SW
Wind Speed (mph): 0-5-7
Barometer: 29.79 - 29.70
Precipitation:  None
No. Banded: 108 (plus 18 recaptured, 3 released unbanded)
Species Captured: 21
Capture Rate (#/100 net hours): 111.2
Banding Assistants (9.0 hours worked): Mike Charlebois, Guadalupe Cummins, Edie Schmitz, Blanche Wicke.

Northern Flicker - 1
Black-capped Chickadee - 1 (plus 7 recaptured)
Brown Creeper - 3
House Wren - 4
Winter Wren - 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 10
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 17
Hermit Thrush - 20
[American Robin - 1 recaptured]
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 4
Northern Waterthrush - 1
Eastern Towhee - 1
American Tree Sparrow - 1
Song Sparrow - 6 (plus 2 recaptured)
Swamp Sparrow - 2
White-throated Sparrow - 3
Dark-eyed Junco - 1
[Northern Cardinal - 1 recaptured]
Red-winged Blackbird - 26 (plus 5 recaptured, 3 released unbanded)
Brown-headed Cowbird - 2 (plus 1 recaptured)
American Goldfinch - 3 (plus 1 recaptured)
-----------------------------------------------

April 29, 2018

Time open (E.S.T.): 5:45
Time closed (E.S.T.): 12:45
Hours Open: 7.0
Sunrise (E.S.T.):  5:30
Net Hours: 116.00
Temperature (F): 34-54
Cloud Cover: 10-0%
Wind Direction: N
Wind Speed (mph): 1-3-12
Barometer: 30.26 - 30.31
Precipitation:  None
No. Banded: 47 (plus 20 recaptured, 2 released unbanded)
Species Captured: 18
Capture Rate (#/100 net hours): 59.5
Banding Assistants (9.25 hours worked): Mike Charlebois, Michelle Serreyn, Blanche Wicke.

Northern Flicker - 1
Black-capped Chickadee - 1 (plus 2 recaptured)
Winter Wren - 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 3 (plus 2 recaptured)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 8 (plus 1 recaptured)
Hermit Thrush - 3 (plus 1 recaptured)
[American Robin - 1 recaptured]
European Starling - 1
Orange-crowned Warbler - 1
Field Sparrow - 1
Song Sparrow - 2 (plus 1 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Swamp Sparrow - 2 (plus 1 recaptured)
[Northern Cardinal - 1 recaptured]
Red-winged Blackbird - 7 (plus 5 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Brown-headed Cowbird - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
House Finch - 5
American Goldfinch - 7 (plus 3 recaptured)
-----------------------------------------------

Lake St. Clair Metropark bird banding report - April 7-13, 2018

The typical schedule for starting spring bird banding is to start the first Sunday in April. This year, that was early, on April 1, which we've done before. But it was also Easter that day, and well, WINTER was still exerting itself. So, I decided to delay the first banding day until April 7. Even so, we had two days (7th and 8th) of temperatures on the 30s, and on the first day there was a dusting of snow on the ground, and all the puddles were covered with ice. Because of the cold, and lots of water, a normal setup of 17.5 nets for 6 hours was not accomplished for the first half of the month. We started an hour later than usual to allow temperatures to warm up enough to be safer for the birds, and perhaps a tiny bit more comfortable (?) for the volunteers.

Dusting of snow in the Dogwood Nets area

Small frozen puddle near the Meadow Nets

Highlights of the 38 birds of 9 species banded on Saturday, April 7, included some of the species that starting this early intends to target, namely wintering species that will soon depart, including American Tree Sparrows.

After hatch-year American Tree Sparrow

The 6 Golden-crowned Kinglets banded today were expected, as small numbers of this early migrant are still passing through southern Michigan in early April. But quite unexpected was the two Pine Siskins that were captured adjacent to the thistle feeders annually placed near the Meadow Nets.

After hatch-year male Pine Siskin

These are the first Pine Siskins banded at this new site, and at the marsh station they were only banded in 2012, when 24 were banded there. Interesting birds observed, but not banded, included a pair of Sandhill Cranes calling from the North Marsh, audible all the way over to our banding station nearly 1/2 mile away!

Highlights of the 24 birds of 10 species banded on Sunday, April 8, included another American Tree Sparrow and 2 more Golden-crowned Kinglets. Two singing White-throated Sparrows, not banded, were either overwintering individuals or early migrants.

Highlights of the 108 birds of 18 species banded on Friday, April 13, included a somewhat surprising 4 Eastern Phoebes, given the still chilly temperatures.

Second-year Eastern Phoebe

Difficult to see in the photos, the "molt limit" in the greater secondary coverts allowed this individual to be aged as second-year because the outermost 2 or 3 were very worn with remnants of buffy tips, while most of the inners were unworn with whitish tips.

Second-year Eastern Phoebe

A big surprise was the 40 Golden-crowned Kinglets banded today, which was about the 3rd highest banded in a single day in the park, but was by far the most in spring. The previous one-day spring record was 12. A somewhat early Ruby-crowned Kinglet was a bit unexpected. The first Hermit Thrushes of the spring were banded today, as well as a few more American Tree Sparrows and 2 Dark-eyed Juncos to keep up the winter bird theme.

Second-year female Dark-eyed Junco

Another early migrant is the Fox Sparrow, which can be hit or miss, as we banded only one in spring 2017, and 6 in 2016. Today, we had a single-day record of 8 banded.

After hatch-year Fox Sparrow

Good numbers of Song Sparrows were banded today, as well as a couple of Swamp Sparrows, signaling an influx of migrant sparrows. A Field Sparrow banded today was a bit of a surprise as it was somewhat early, and we typically only band a couple in any given year.

After hatch-year Field Sparrow

Another Pine Siskin banded today rounded out the winter highlights. Interesting birds observed, but not banded included 2 migrating Common Loons flying over, a calling American Woodcock (we finally started at our normal time, before dawn), a calling Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, a bunch of Tree Swallows, a single Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 2 singing Winter Wrens, singing Yellow-rumped Warbler, Palm Warbler, and Eastenr Towhee, and a single Rusty Blackbird.

Banding on these three chilly days could not have been done without the help of the following volunteers: Mike Charlebois, Jacob Charlebois, Guadalupe Cummins, Tamika Jaja, Erin Rowan, and Blanche Wicke.

Detailed Bird Banding Results

April 7, 2018

Time open (E.S.T.): 7:30
Time closed (E.S.T.): 12:15
Hours Open: 4.75
Sunrise (E.S.T.): 6:04
Net Hours: 58.75
Temperature (F):  25-35
Cloud Cover: 10-50%
Wind Direction: W-NE
Wind Speed (mph): 3-5-7
Barometer: 30.09 - 30.07
Precipitation:  None
No. Banded: 38 (plus 12 recaptured, 4 released unbanded)
Species Captured: 9
Capture Rate (#/100 net hours): 91.9
Banding Assistants (7.0 hours worked): Mike Charlebois, Guadalupe Cummins, Erin Rowan.

Black-capped Chickadee - 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 6
American Robin - 3 (plus 1 released unbanded)
European Starling - 1
American Tree Sparrow - 1
[Song Sparrow - 2 recaptured]
Red-winged Blackbird - 2 (plus 2 released unbanded)
Pine Siskin - 2
American Goldfinch - 22 (plus 10 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
-----------------------------------------------

April 8, 2018

Time open (E.S.T.): 7:00
Time closed (E.S.T.): 12:00
Hours Open: 5.00
Sunrise (E.S.T.):  6:02
Net Hours: 81.00
Temperature (F): 24-37
Cloud Cover: 20-60%
Wind Direction: WNW-WSW
Wind Speed (mph): 3-5-7
Barometer: 30.10 - 30.12
Precipitation: None
No. Banded: 16 (plus 8 recaptured)
Species Captured: 10
Capture Rate (#/100 net hours):  29.6
Banding Assistants (7.5 hours worked): Jacob Charlebois (3.5 hrs), Mike Charlebois (4.0 hrs), Tamika Jaja, Blanche Wicke.

[Black-capped Chickadee - 2 recaptured]
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 2
American Robin - 2 (plus 1 recaptured)
American Tree Sparrow - 1
[Song Sparrow - 1 recaptured]
Northern Cardinal - 1
Red-winged Blackbird - 4 (plus 1 recaptured)
Common Grackle - 2
American Goldfinch - 3 (plus 3 recaptured)
House Sparrow - 1
-----------------------------------------------

April 13, 2018

Time open (E.S.T.): 6:15
Time closed (E.S.T.): 12:45 
Hours Open: 6.5
Sunrise (E.S.T.): 5:54
Net Hours: 93.75
Temperature (F): 37-57
Cloud Cover: 100-70-100%
Wind Direction: NE
Wind Speed (mph): 3-5-7
Barometer: 29.87 - 29.84
Precipitation:  None
No. Banded: 108 (plus 18 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Species Captured: 18
Capture Rate (#/100 net hours): 135.5
Banding Assistants (9.75 hours worked): Mike Charlebois (8.25 hrs), Guadalupe Cummins (9.25 hrs).

Eastern Phoebe - 4
[Black-capped Chickadee - 2 recaptured]
Brown Creeper - 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 40 (plus 1 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1
Hermit Thrush - 2
American Robin - 5
American Tree Sparrow - 5 (plus 1 recaptured)
Field Sparrow - 1
Fox Sparrow - 8
Song Sparrow - 19 (plus 2 recaptured)
Swamp Sparrow - 2
Dark-eyed Junco - 2
Northern Cardinal - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
Red-winged Blackbird - 1
[House Finch - 1 recaptured]
Pine Siskin - 1
American Goldfinch - 12 (plus 10 recaptured)
-----------------------------------------------

Celebrating 50 years of birding

On April 27, 2018, I will be 61 years old. Yikes! On my 11th birthday, I got a pair of binoculars and a bird field guide. So generally I consider that this is when I became a 'birder" since I also became serious about keeping a "life list", which reached 300 species just after my 19th birthday, a Yellow-headed Blackbird in my uncle's back yard in Green Bay, Wisconsin. As my 50th year of birding begins, there are two ways that I plan to celebrate. The first is the publication of A Field Guide to Birds of Michigan by the American Birding Association. While I have made significant writing contributions to six books before this, enough to have my name on the covers, this is the first book that I have completely authored myself, and it is greatly enhanced by photos mainly by Brian Small and a few other photographers, including Michigan's own Darlene Friedman. I have received advance copies, but the publication date is expected to be April 25. It is available from ABA Sales/Buteo Books. I have scanned a few pages, shown below, and more details are available here. Click on the images below to enlarge them enough to read the text.

Front Cover

Back Cover

Inside front and back covers

Sample text from Introduction

Sample species account

I think this book is an excellent resource for beginning and intermediate birders.

My next "celebration" will be a birding/photography trip to northern Peru in mid-July to see the Marvelous Spatuletail hummingbird, among many others. I am hoping to update my blog during that trip as often as time, and connections, will permit. Stay tuned.

Lake St. Clair Metropark banding report - October 27 - November 4, 2017

The end of the banding season provided fairly warm conditions on the last 5 days. Three more days were covered in October, on the 27th, 28th, and 29th, and two days in November, the 3rd and 4th. Usually the end of the season is somewhat slow and uneventful, but some very late migrants and some rarities made things interesting.

Highlights of the 96 birds of 17 species banded on October 27 included not just one, but TWO White-eyed Vireos.

Hatch-year White-eyed Vireo

Only 16 White-eyed Vireos have been banded in the park between 1994 and 2009, and none of them in the fall. Typically, this rare breeding species in the southernmost portions of Michigan has departed by late September, so their presence here this late is very unusual. A strong weather system flowing up from Texas may have brought them, and some other late birds today, to us.

Hatch-year White-eyed Vireo

Hatch-year White-eyed Vireos have gray eyes, and there seemed to be a slight difference in color between the two.

Hatch-year White-eyed Vireo

The Nashville Warbler today was a couple days short of being the latest ever banded here, but was the first since October 20.

Hatch-year female Nashville Warbler

But the Magnolia Warbler was a record late date by a week.

Hatch-year Magnolia Warbler

Much more expected was the good number of both species of kinglet, and Hermit Thrushes, as well as the first American Tree Sparrow of the season.

After hatch-year American Tree Sparrow

After hatch-year American Tree Sparrow

A highlight among the recaptures was a female Northern Cardinal that was originally banded as an adult at the marsh station 0.4 miles away in 2009, making her at least 9 years 4 months old.

Results from October 28 were not particularly impressive, with only 28 birds of 9 species banded. On October 29, numbers were a little better, with 38 individuals of 13 species banded. The number of kinglets and Hermit Thrushes were down. It was a fairly good day for sparrows, considering the lateness of the season, with a surprising 5 White-throated Sparrows.

Hatch-year White-throated Sparrow

Numbers of White-throats this fall (and last fall) have been far short of what had been expected at the marsh station where the 10-year fall season average was 217. So far this fall, less than 40 have been banded. It is possible there has been a downturn in numbers, as there were low numbers at the marsh station in 2014 too, with "only" 95 that fall. Interesting birds observed, but not banded on October 28 included two flyover GreaterYellowlegs,

With only two volunteers, fewer nets were open on November 3, but there were good results with 51 individuals of 18 species banded. Highlights included the 80th species of the fall (the record is 81 species in 2013), a common bird that usually bounces out of our nets, two Mourning Doves.

After hatch-year male Mourning Dove

After hatch-year male Mourning Dove

And the 81st species of the fall was another common resident species, but not often captured as there are few large trees in the banding area, a White-breasted Nuthatch.

After hatch-year male White-breasted Nuthatch

A truly shocking capture was a record late Yellow-bellied Flycatcher! In 2015, one banded on October 7 was the first ever banded here in October, so one in November is extraordinary.

Hatch-year Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

A single Yellow-rumped Warbler was record late, by 3 days. And back to the more mundane, today saw the 500th American Goldfinch of the season banded. Only two previous fall seasons had more than 500 goldfinches, 2010 (512) and 2013 (749).

After hatch-year male American Goldfinch

Interesting birds observed but not banded on November 3 included a flyover American Pipit, a flock of 8 Red Crossbills that circled over a nearby pine tree before continuing south (only 2nd or 3rd park record), and a flyover Common Redpoll. A Fox Sparrow was observed for only the second time this fall. They seem to have eluded capture this fall, for the first time EVER.

The last day of banding, November 4, was very good for so late as far as number of individuals banded (65) and species captured (14). This included a new species for the fall, and American Woodcock, setting a new record of 82 species this fall, and was only the 10th woodcock banded in the park (5 of them in 2015 at this new meadow station).

Hatch-year female American Woodcock

Hatch-year female American Woodcock

Just for fun, here is a close crop of a photo of the woodcock's back pattern.

Hatch-year female American Woodcock

Two Winter Wrens today were two days shy of a record late date.

Hatch-year Winter Wren

It was a good day for Golden-crowned Kinglets (16), American Tree Sparrows (7), White-throated Sparrows (4), and a record day for Dark-eyed Juncos, with 17. This single day exceeds any previous entire fall season at the marsh station!

Hatch-year female Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco

Banding on these 5 days could not have been done without the help of the following volunteers: John Bieganowski, Mike Charlebois, Guadalupe Cummins, Stevie Kuroda, Dave Lancaster, Mitchael Neilson, Hannah Pelkey, Alexander Reiber, Bruce Watson, Blanche Wicke.

Detailed Bird Banding Results

October 27, 2017

Time open (E.S.T.): 5:30
Time closed (E.S.T.): 12:30
Hours Open: 7.0 (audio luring for NSWO from 5:30 - 6:30)
Sunrise (E.S.T.): 6:59
Net Hours: 113.5
Temperature (F):  50-59
Cloud Cover: 40-100-90%
Wind Direction: SE-SW
Wind Speed (mph): 7-10-12
Barometer: 29.77 - 29.79
Precipitation:  None
No. Banded: 96 (plus 19 recaptured, 3 released unbanded)
Species Captured: 17
Capture Rate (#/100 net hours): 104.0
Banding Assistants (9.0 hours worked): John Bieganowski, Mike Charlebois, Guadalupe Cummins, Dave Lancaster, Blanche Wicke.

Downy Woodpecker - 1
Eastern Phoebe -1
White-eyed Vireo - 2
Black-capped Chickadee - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
Brown Creeper - 3
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 20
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 18 (plus 1 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Hermit Thrush - 18 (plus 1 recaptured)
Nashville Warbler - 1
Magnolia Warbler - 1
American Tree Sparrow - 1
Song Sparrow - 1
White-throated Sparrow - 3
Dark-eyed Junco - 3 (plus 1 released unbanded)
Northern Cardinal - 2 (plus 3 recaptured)
American Goldfinch - 19 (plus 13 recaptured)
House Sparrow - 1 (plus 1 released unbanded)
-----------------------------------------------

October 28, 2017

Time open (E.S.T.): 5:30
Time closed (E.S.T.): 12:15
Hours Open: 6.75 (audio luring for NSWO from 5:30 - 6:30)
Sunrise (E.S.T.):  7:00
Net Hours: 111.25
Temperature (F): 39-46
Cloud Cover: 100-60-100%
Wind Direction: SW-NW-SW
Wind Speed (mph): 5-7-10
Barometer: 29.85 - 29.85
Precipitation:None
No. Banded: 28 (plus 16 recaptured)
Species Captured: 9
Capture Rate (#/100 net hours):  39.6
Banding Assistants (8.5 hours worked): Mike Charlebois, Stevie Kuroda, Hannah Pelkey (7.5 hrs), Bruce Watson .

[Black-capped Chickadee - 2 recaptured]
Winter Wren - 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 4 (plus 3 recaptured)
Hermit Thrush - 3 (plus 1 recaptured)
American Tree Sparrow - 4 (plus 1 recaptured)
Song Sparrow - 1
White-throated Sparrow - 2
Dark-eyed Junco - 1
American Goldfinch - 12 (plus 9 recaptured)
-----------------------------------------------

October 29, 2017

Time open (E.S.T.): 5:30
Time closed (E.S.T.): 12:15 
Hours Open: 6.75 (audio luring for NSWO from 5:30 - 6:30)
Sunrise (E.S.T.): 7:02
Net Hours: 111.25
Temperature (F): 41-50
Cloud Cover: 100-95%
Wind Direction: WSW-NW
Wind Speed (mph): 3-5-7
Barometer: 29.88 - 29.84
Precipitation:  None
No. Banded: 38 (plus 30 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Species Captured: 13
Capture Rate (#/100 net hours): 62.0
Banding Assistants (8.5 hours worked): Stevie Kuroda, Hannah Pelkey (7.0 hrs, Bruce Watson.

Downy Woodpecker - 1
Black-capped Chickadee - 1 (plus 3 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Winter Wren - 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 6 (plus 4 recaptured)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 2 (plus 5 recaptured)
Hermit Thrush - 2 (plus 3 recaptured)
American Tree Sparrow - 1
Song Sparrow - 1
Swamp Sparrow - 3
White-throated Sparrow - 5
Dark-eyed Junco - 1
House Finch - 1
American Goldfinch - 13 (plus 15 recaptured)
-----------------------------------------------

November 3, 2017

Time open (E.S.T.): 5:30
Time closed (E.S.T.): 12:15
Hours Open: 6.75 (audio luring for NSWO from 5:30 - 6:30)
Sunrise (E.S.T.):  7:08
Net Hours: 73.75
Temperature (F): 46-52
Cloud Cover: 80-50%
Wind Direction: NW-N
Wind Speed (mph): 5-7-12
Barometer: 30.13 - 30.33
Precipitation:  None
No. Banded: 51 (plus 18 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Species Captured: 18
Capture Rate (#/100 net hours): 94.9
Banding Assistants (9.5 hours worked): Guadalupe Cummins, Dave Lancaster.

Mourning Dove - 2
Downy Woodpecker - 5 (plus 1 recaptured)
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - 1
Black-capped Chickadee - 1 (plus 2 recaptured)
White-breasted Nuthatch - 1
Brown Creeper - 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
Hermit Thrush - 2 (plus 1 recaptured)
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 1
American Tree Sparrow - 4 (plus 1 released unbanded)
Song Sparrow - 1
Swamp Sparrow - 1
White-throated Sparrow - 4
Dark-eyed Junco - 2
Northern Cardinal - 1 (plus 1 recaptured)
House Finch - 2
American Goldfinch - 17 (plus 12 recaptured)
-----------------------------------------------

November 4, 2017

Time open (E.S.T.): 5:30
Time closed (E.S.T.): 13:30
Hours Open: 6.75 (audio luring for NSWO from 5:30 - 6:30)
Sunrise (E.S.T.): 7:09
Net Hours: 111.25
Temperature (F): 41-55
Cloud Cover: 100-60%
Wind Direction: NE-ENE
Wind Speed (mph): 7-10-12
Barometer: 30.32 - 30.17
Precipitation:  None
No. Banded: 65 (plus 11 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
Species Captured: 14
Capture Rate (#/100 net hours): 69.2
Banding Assistants (8.5 hours worked): Stevie Kuroda, Mitchael Neilson (7.0 hrs), Alexander Reiber (7.5 hrs), Bruce Watson. 

American Woodcock - 1
Mourning Dove - 1
[Downy Woodpecker - 3 recaptured]
Winter Wren - 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 16
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1
American Tree Sparrow - 7 (plus 1 recaptured)
Song Sparrow - 3
White-throated Sparrow - 4
Dark-eyed Junco - 16
[Northern Cardinal - 2 recaptured]
House Finch - 1
American Goldfinch - 12 (plus 5 recaptured, 1 released unbanded)
House Sparrow - 1
-----------------------------------------------