We were unable to open nets on Oct 24 due to stormy conditions from low pressure in the Florida Straits, but the rain and wind let up after sunset and a front swept through the area overnight. Today we woke up to blue skies and cooler temperatures and there were still some birds around, even though some likely left the night before. We captured birds steadily all day long, and ended up having our most diverse and busiest day of the season so far, with 102 birds banded of 21 species including several Indigo buntings. This is an adult male and he only has touches of the brilliant blue spring plumage this time of year. The color is still fantastic, especially when set against the warm browns of the rest of the plumage.
We banded another Wood thrush, and this particular individual was more photogenic than normal. Notice the huge eye; an adaptation to their shady deep forest habitat.
We were treated to another Rose-breasted grosbeak during the closing net run. This one is a young male and shows a faint tint of rose on his breast patch. The huge bill is designed to crack open large seeds but grosbeaks also consume insects and fruit.
The pink underwings identify this bird as a male; females have yellow wing linings.
Yep! I bite!
TOTAL: 102 birds of 21 species
Black-throated blue warbler: 30
Gray catbird: 22
Common yellowthroat: 11
Ovenbird: 7
Black & white warbler: 4
Gray-cheeked thrush: 4
American redstart: 3
Indigo bunting: 3
Swainson’s thrush: 2
Northern parula: 2
White-eyed vireo: 2
Scarlet tanager: 2
Cape May warbler: 2
Western palm warbler: 1
Northern waterthrush: 1
Magnolia warbler: 1
Swainson’s warbler: 1
Worm-eating warbler: 1
Rose-breasted grosbeak: 1
Wood thrush: 1
Blackpoll warbler: 1
102 birds … JEALOUS! Great photos. Glad I wasn’t holding that chomping grosbeak, though!
This tropical depression was certainly exciting for migration in our area. We also had a rough time during this period – but saw more birds on the 24th than perhaps any other day in the season – all the while getting drenched to the bone and frustrated that they were just darting silhouettes overhead for the most part. Black-throated Blues were EVERYWHERE – we certainly thought of you all!!!