FOS: AMRE, COYE, and NOWA

We had a little more migrant activity today although the overall number of birds were down from yesterday.  A few American Redstarts, a Common Yellowthroat, and a Northern Waterthrush visited the nets for the first time this season.  We also had a few interesting recaptures:  a Painted Bunting that was banded exactly two years ago today on 8/16/13, a Northern Cardinal that was banded on 1/25/13, and another Northern Cardinal that was banded on 4/19/11.

Male Painted Buntings retain a green, female-like plumage during their first year of life.  They don't attain their gaudy appearance until after their second summer.  The following photo is of a second-year (born last summer), male Painted Bunting that is undergoing its prebasic molt.  In several weeks this bird will be draped in blues, greens, reds, and pinks, and purples.  This individual will most likely hang out at KIBS while it completes its molt.

Painted Bunting (second year, male)

Painted Bunting (typical molt pattern of a second year)

    

NEW BIRDS
2 Carolina Wren
4 Prairie Warbler
3 American Redstart
1 Common Yellowthroat
1 Northern Waterthrush
6 Northern Cardinal
3 Painted Bunting

RECAPTURES
1 Carolina Wren
3 Northern Cardinal
1 Painted Bunting

BANDING STATS
# of New Birds:  20
# of Recaptures:  5
# of Species:  7
Effort:  118.1 net-hours
Capture Rate:  21.2 birds/100 net-hours
# of Nets:  25

BANDING STAFF
Aaron Given
Ryan Donnelly