WOW, What a day!

This past Sunday, May 17th, was our busiest day yet here at the Presque Isle banding station. Over the course of the day, I processed 191 birds, 188 of which were new birds and we got to see 36 species in the hand (18 warblers species!). As always, I could not have done it with the help of the wonderful dedicated volunteers so, thank you!

We always talk about the birds that we're seeing but I wanted to take a moment and talk about the other reason that we band here in the park and that is conservation through public education. I can't even tell you the amount of times a day that people see our 'Bird Banding' sign and come up to the banding table simply to ask 'what is bird banding?' Most of these people are not birders and to be able to show them these wonderful little birds up close makes such a difference- both for the visitors and for the birds. Time and again I hear from people how fascinating it is that such little birds make such epically long journeys and defeat so many odds to return year after year to their breeding grounds; how some of them didn't even realize that these birds existed until now. And, of course, the best moments are watching a child get to hold and release a bird for their very first time. Their sheer joy and excitement is contagious. This is not only our future but the birds future too. So please, take the time to tell people about birds- why you're cuckoo for cuckoos or how terns turn your world upside down. Tell them to take the time to look up in the trees the next time that they're in the park. And please, tell them about our banding station and to visit us here in the park as we would love to show them what we do and why we do it! And to bring their children and grandchildren!!

I will be banding at Frys Landing now every day until the end of season (weather permitting) and I hope to see you out here!

American Woodcock. Although they nest in the park, we don't often catch them in the nets.

Male Mourning Warbler. One of three that we caught on Sunday.

Male Canada Warbler. We caught several of these handsome guys
on Sunday as well.