Presque Isle State Park Bird Banding

When the North Wind Blows...

..you don't catch much.

Yestyerday's change in the weather persisted through most of the day. The shift to northerly winds gave us a clear and cold night, with little in the way of new arrivals.  Erie Bluffs was quiet, with less than 20 birds getting into our nets even though I opened up all 12 of them.

On the other hand, we did capture one of those common North American birds that European birders gasp at when they see them. Just like Cardinals, these guys can be everywhere in the right habitat. When participated in the North American Migration Count in Missouri, I could count up to 100 singing males in a morning.

ASY Male Indigo Bunting

They like shrubby edges and sing almost all day long. After a while you tend to ignore them, but in the hand they glow.

Compared to the mottled SY males I caught here last week, it's obvious why this male has taken their place.

Not only is he pretty, but feisty too.

I also caught this guy. He was labeled as a Yellow Warbler, so I stuck my hand into the bag pulled him out and didn't take a look at what i had until i was ready to put the band on him. Big surprise. The third one of the year and an SY bird. He's much duller and has more olive on the back of his head than do older males. 

SY male Mourning Warbler

That bill is just plain huge.

We also captured a couple of Veeries. This is what they look like in bright sunshine.

We also caught one Blue Jay. Jessica was very glad to have one in her hand and it agreed to pose with her for a few photos.

It's not easy to see, but he's smiling on the inside.