There is a finger of saltmarsh that runs up the middle of the banding station. This patch of marsh divides the banding site into two uplands areas that we refer to as the ocean side and the river side. The last two posts had highlighted the nets that occur on the ocean side. Today's post will highlight 5 nets that occur in and along this finger of saltmarsh. Because these nets are located at the interface between two habitat types, they are usually very productive.
Net 4
Net 4 was created in 2010 and has been used for the last 12 years. This net bisects the high saltmarsh and runs up toward the edge of the woods. Dominate plant species around Net 4 include Marsh Elder, Baccharis, and Sea ox-eye Daisy. Net 4 has captured 3,125 birds (2,603 new, 522 recaptures). More than a third of all birds captured in this net have been Common Yellowthroats! One of the most interesting birds captured in this net was a Barred Owl.
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| Net 4 |
Net 5
Net 5 has been in operation since 2011. This net is located 25 yards up the marsh finger from net 4 but is located on the opposite of the finger. About half of this net is surrounded by saltmarsh with the other half extending into the scrub. Net 5 has captured 3,707 birds (3010 new, 697 recaps). Some highlights that have been captured in this net include Bell's Vireo, Ash-throated Flycatcher, and Mourning Warbler.
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| Net 5 |
Net 25
Net 25 was created in 2013. This net is locate in upper part of the saltmarsh finger where it starts to transition into more upland habitat. The vegetation surrounding this net is not technically saltmarsh but includes a more herbaceous component intermixed with more common shrubs like wax myrtles. Net 25 has captured 1,700 birds (1,241 new, 459 recaptures). This net has captured some interesting birds such as Eastern Screech-owls, and Chuck-wills-widows.
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| Net 25 |
Net 15
Net 15 was created in 2011. This net is located pretty much at the end of the wetland finger that runs up the middle of the banding station. The vegetation is not considered saltmarsh but is dominated by grasses with a few scattered shrubs. This net only get flooded on the highest of tides but will hold water after rain events. Net 15 has captured 2,665 birds (2070 new, 595 recaptures). I refer to this net as the "Painted Bunting net". Because of the grasses that surround the net, Painted Buntings are attracted to the area to feed on the seeds that are produced by them. This small grassy area is unique at the banding station. This net has captured 390 Painted Buntings.
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| Net 15 |
Net 31
Net 31 was created in 2016. One end of this net is in the high saltmarsh area at the far end of the finger. The other end of the net is at the top of an old dune ridge. There might be a difference of 3-4 feet of elevation from one end of the net to the other. Net 31 has captured 1,105 birds (831 new, 274 recaptures) in its 5 years of being in operation.
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| Net 31 |
Aaron
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