McGILL BIRD OBSERVATORY

SPRING MIGRATION MONITORING 2004

Activities at the McGill Bird Observatory were limited to just a few days in spring 2004 as the site was being assessed for future operations.  Comments or questions are welcome at mbo@migrationresearch.org

SMMP 2004 SEASON TOTALS:

Species banded:  4 Individuals banded:  9 Species observed:  63

Click here for information on the Fall 2004 owl banding program
Click here for information on the fall 2004 season


Friday June 4, 2004

Bander in charge:  Marcel Gahbauer Banding assistants:  n/a
Hours:  1.0  (0840-0940) Nets:  0 Net hours:  0
Opening weather:  0% cloud 12C no wind no precipitation
Closing weather:  0% cloud 14C no wind no precipitation
SPECIES INDIVIDUALS
Observed Census Banded Repeat Return
40 40 n/a n/a n/a
Banded Repeat Return
n/a n/a n/a
NOTES:  Another trial run of the census route was attempted this morning, this time under much more pleasant weather conditions.  A couple of new species added to the site checklist today: Willow Flycatcher and Black-billed Cuckoo.  Although a few of the species seen were late migrants, such as Blackpoll Warbler, the majority are likely local breeders.  Among those, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, and Red-winged Blackbird are the most prominent.  Cedar Waxwings were also numerous, but it's difficult to say whether they are still moving through, or will settle down in the area.  We will continue to survey the breeding population periodically over the summer before commencing a more systematic fall migration monitoring program.

Tuesday May 18, 2004

Bander in charge:  Marcel Gahbauer Banding assistants:  n/a
Hours:  1.0  (0740-0840) Nets:  0 Net hours:  0
Opening weather:   100% cloud 18C wind W (2) light showers
Closing weather:   100% cloud 18C no wind heavy rain
SPECIES INDIVIDUALS
Observed Census Banded Repeat Return
43 43 n/a n/a n/a
Banded Repeat Return
n/a n/a n/a
NOTES:  With a wet morning forecast, today only a trial run of the census route was planned.  Though the rain was moderate to heavy for more than half of the time, a variety of birds was observed all the same.  Notable were ten species of warbler, with Yellow being the most abundant, closely followed by Nashville and Yellow-rumped.  Other recent arrivals of interest included Philadelphia Vireo, Indigo Bunting, and Wilson's Warbler.  The Solitary Sandpiper continues to share the pond with a Spotted Sandpiper, and the Green Herons were seen again.  

Thursday May 6, 2004

Bander in charge:  Marcel Gahbauer Banding assistants:  Shawn Craik
Hours:  4.0  (0630-1030) Nets:  3 (RW, CHx2) Net hours:  9.0
Opening weather:   100% cloud 13C no wind heavy fog
Closing weather:   100% cloud 16C no wind light fog
SPECIES INDIVIDUALS
Observed Census Banded Repeat Return
38 n/a 2 -- 1
Banded Repeat Return
4 -- 1
NOTES:  Only a few birds banded (Red-winged Blackbirds and White-throated Sparrows), but not bad considering only three nets were operated.  Nearly 40 species were observed during the morning, bringing the cumulative list for May to over 50.  Overall migration appears to still be slow, with Black-and-white being the only Warbler we detected.  Three deer were seen on the far side of the back pond.

Saturday May 1, 2004

Bander in charge:  Marcel Gahbauer Banding assistants:  David Bird, Rodger Titman
Hours:  3.0  (0700-1000) Nets:  3 (WC, CHx2) Net hours:  9.0
Opening weather:  100% cloud 15C no wind no precipitation
Closing weather:  100% cloud 18C no wind no precipitation
SPECIES INDIVIDUALS
Observed Census Banded Repeat Return
23 n/a 3 -- 1
Banded Repeat Return
5 -- 1
NOTES:  This morning marked the official launch of the McGill Bird Observatory.  Banding has taken place previously at Stoneycroft on an irregular basis in conjunction with ornithology classes, but this signals the start of what we plan to have evolve into a more thorough and standardized migration monitoring effort.  Our first bird was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, followed in short order by another, as well as two Red-winged Blackbirds and a couple of Song Sparrows, one of which had been banded here last year.  Another 20 species were observed while in the area, including at least 3 Green Herons, 2 Solitary Sandpipers, and a very active and vocal pair of Pileated Woodpeckers.

 

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