Virtual Tour of KIBS (Little Bear part 5)

This brings us to the end of the virtual tour of Little Bear.  The 2021 fall migration banding season starts tomorrow and we will be providing daily updates of our work throughout the season.  We will be here until November 30th.   

Today's nets will include the 5 nets located furthest east on the north side of the dune ridge.  Nets 8, 10, and 19 are located in the wetland area while net 9 and 23 are located higher up on the dune.  

NET 8

Net 8 has been in operation since 2015.  This net is technically in the wetland area but the net lanes run perpendicular into the "woods" from the open grassy area.  The last 20 feet or so of this net is actually shaded and has a canopy of vegetation over the top.  Net 8 has captured 1,068 birds (867 new, 201 recaptures).  In 2019, it captured Little Bear's first and only Black-billed Cuckoo.

Net 8

  

NET 10

Net 10 has been in use since 2015.  This net is located in a wide grassy area with some sparse shrubs on either side.  It has lost a good amount of shrubs due to saltwater intrusion/flooding.  I forgot to take a photo of this net lane but imagine it looking similar to the next net (net 19).  It has captured 1,092 birds (954 new, 138 recaptures).

   

NET 19

Net 19 was created 2017.  This might be one of the more picturesque nets at Little Bear.  Looking down the net lane you can see the Atlantic Ocean and the sunrises (so I've heard) are pretty amazing from this spot.  It has captured 807 birds (699 new, 108 recaptures.) 

Net 19

 

NET 9

Net 9 has been around since the beginning in 2015.  This net is located on higher ground.  It has an open grassy/weedy area on the east side and taller shrubs and trees on the west.  This is the net lane that I dislike clearing the most because it has the most poison ivy.  I do the best I can but leave the poison ivy for Josh to deal with.  Net 9 has captured 986 birds (813 new, 173 recaptures).

Net 9

  

NET 23

Net 23 was put in place last year.  This net is located right along the tidal creek.   It is pretty exposed to wind in this spot but being located right at the edge of the scrub and the tidal creek makes for an interesting spot for capturing migrating birds.  In its short time in use, it has captured 120 birds (102 new, 18 recaptures).

Net 23

-Aaron