Gusty winds forced us to shut down a little early and probably also contributed to the lack of birds captured today. We only banded 12 new birds along with 9 recaptures of 6 different species. However, the big surprise of the morning came when we banded a Swainson's Thrush! This is very late individual as a bulk of the Swainson's Thrushes moved through KIBS during the end of September and beginning of October. A majority of the Swainson's Thrush population should be in northern South America (eastern birds), or Central America and southern Mexico (western birds) by now. There are very few late November records of Swainson's Thrushes in the United States. Interestingly enough, one was reported on November 21st on neighboring Seabrook Island.
Tomorrow is the last day of the 2012 fall banding season. Light east winds are predicted so hopefully we can finish the season strong!
Birds Banded in Previous Seasons:
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 11/27/11
Carolina Chickadee - 9/20/10
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| Swainson's Thrush (after hatch-year, sex unknown) |
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| Swainson's Thrush |
