A Head Turning Blondie

 Captain Sams:

After the wind shifted back to the south, we had a much slower day with 16 birds, 9 species in total. Even for the Common Yellowthroats, which usually have the largest numbers, we only caught three of them today. After the first net run, we all went on to fix some holes in the nets that were left during the big days. Hopefully, each of us will enjoy some good rest between these big pushes of birds, and get ready for the upcoming busy days!

-Wentao

Little Bear:

Things have slowed down a bit at the banding station after a busy spell this passed week. The number of birds dropped off quickly after the first round leaving us with a total of 27 individuals. A very rare occurrence of diluted plumage appeared in a Northern Waterthrush. This bird was not completely lacking pigment, as seen in some forms of albinism, but the melanin was deposited at much lower concentrations, giving this bird a beautiful blond appearance. Along with this rarity, we got a Yellow-billed Cuckoo; a species that has not shown up very frequently this season.

Diluted HY Northern Waterthrush

-Camille

More information on the Northern Waterthrush captured from today.

Below are some more photos that were taken of this adorable bird. I have also attached a comparison photo of what a normal Northern Waterthrush looks like compared to the diluted Northern Waterthrush. Diluted plumage is mostly viewed in raptors and gulls, but this can happen to any species.

Based on overall appearance, this bird obviously lacks some color characteristics called dilute plumage. This means that there are still melanin that is being deposited to the feathers of the bird but at a low amount, typically it is at a 50%. This still gives the bird a distinct identification characteristics. This bird below still shows the overall appearance that makes it a Northern Waterthrush. The eyeline, the breast streaking and the overall shape. At first glance you could almost assume another species! With the comparison photos of a typical Northern Waterthrush, you can see these characteristics that both still have. They are just a tad lighter than normal. 

Multiple angles of the diluted Northern Waterthrush

Comparison of the breast of the Northern Waterthrush. You can see how the dark streaking on the individual on the right is compared the individual on the left. The streaking is lighter but is still showing the same pattern.

The back of the bird. The right bird is showing off the lighter plumage compared to a typical plumage bird on the right. If looking closely at the bird on the left, you can see that some of feathers look a little more lighter. Having a lighter plumage can also make the individual susceptible to fading and be bleached out from the exposure to the sun. 

Here is a wing shot of the normal plumage above and the diluted individual on the bottom. You can see how the flight feathers are extremely lighter. 

Here is a side shot of the normal plumage on the right with the diluted plumage on the left. You can see how the side streaking is still distinct and the eyebrow is still showing on the diluted bird. 

Out of the years I have banded birds, a good 7 years, this is the first time I have ever saw a diluted plumage before. I have always seen other banding stations post wonderful photos of different species.

If you would like to see/read more information about abnormal coloration in birds check out this link by Sibley Guides. This shows the variations of melanin reductions that can happen in birds and what each term means. 

-Kristin

Note:  All banding, marking, and sampling is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s BBL

Species	Captain Sams		Little Bear
	New	Recaps	New	Recaps
Yellow-billed Cuckoo	-	-	1	-
White-eyed Vireo	-	-	-	2
Red-eyed Vireo	-	1	2	-
Carolina Chickadee	-	1	-	-
Carolina Wren	-	-	-	1
Gray Catbird	-	-	8	-
Ovenbird	1	-	-	-
Northern Waterthrush	1	1	2	1
Common Yellowthroat	3	1	2	-
American Redstart	-	1	-	2
Cape May Warbler	-	-	1	-
Yellow Warbler	-	-	2	-
Palm Warbler (Western)	3	-	-	-
Prairie Warbler	2	-	-	-
Northern Cardinal	-	1	1	1
Painted Bunting	-	-	1	-

Today's Banding Stats	Captain Sams	Little Bear	TOTAL
# Birds Banded	10	20	30
# of Recaptures	6	7	13
# of Species	9	12	16
Effort (net-hours)	148.6	102.5	251.1
Capture Rate (birds/100 net-hours)	10.8	26.3	17.1
# of Nets	32	25	57

2023 Fall Cumulative Banding Stats	Captain Sams	Little Bear	TOTAL
# Birds Banded	1181	811	1992
# of Recaptures	327	172	499
# of Species	44	48	56
Effort (net-hours)	5993.55	3411.6	9405.15
Capture Rate (birds/100 net-hours)	25.2	28.8	27
# of Days	39	30	-

Banding Staff

Aaron Given (CS)

Kristin Attinger (LB)

Brittany Holliker (LB)

Matt Hixson (CS)

Camille Blose (LB)

Wentao Yang (CS)

Natalie Miller (CS)