Net 1
Net 1 is an original net from 2009. Historically there was a large cedar tree located on the east side of this net lane. Unfortunately, we lost that tree during a hurricane a few years back. You still see park of the tree's skeleton of the left side of the photo below. The dead limbs and branches of cedar persist in the environment for a long time thus creating habitat for migrating birds and other creatures. Net 1 has captured 3,286 birds (2,652 new birds, 634 recaptures) including a Bell's Vireo in 2011.
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| Net 1 |
Net 12
Net 12 was created in 2010 and has captured 2,327 birds (1,896 new, 431 recaptures). When we started banding, the southeast end of the net was very open as the saltmarsh crept back into the scrub but over the years that has become much more shrubby. Net 12 has captured 2,327 birds (1,896 new, 431 recaptures). Some highlights include the only Vesper Sparrow ever banded on Kiawah Island and a Clapper Rail that was captured during an extreme high tide event.
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| Net 12 |
Net 22
Net 22 has been in use since 2012. It located very close to net 12 but is almost entirely shaded by a dense canopy of yaupon holly and wax myrtles. This net is not as productive as the nets located along the edge of habitats but it does produce species that are less common such as Swainson's Warblers and Kentucky Warblers. Net 22 has captured 1,683 birds (1,220 new, 463 recaptures).
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| Net 22 |
Net 3
Net 3 is another original net location from 2009. This net has experienced some changes over the years. It used to be much more dense than it is now, especially on the northern side of the net. A few years back a few red bay trees died due to laurel wilt disease and created an open area along the net lane. This disease has affected most of the red bay trees around the banding station. The disease is caused by a fungus that is introduced into the tree by the ambrosia beetle. Net 3 has captured 3,510 birds (2,782 new, 728 recaptures). It has captured the only record of MacGillivray's Warbler in South Carolina!
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| Net 3 |
-Aaron
