A Rose between 2 Warblers

 CAPTAIN SAMS

Today things picked up on the spit as Captain Sams captured a total of 71 birds (52 newly banded and 19 recaptures). We managed to capture several flocks of Yellow-rumped Warblers as they were forced low to forage due to high winds, making it easier for them to find our nets. Accompanying these common wintering warblers were several late migratory species, including Northern Parula, Pine Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo and Cape May Warbler. Most of these species either winter in South Carolina or just south of the state with the exception of Cape May Warbler. These warblers are neotropical migrants and spend their winters within the Carribean Islands and parts of coastal central America. We typically expect the neotropical migrants to have passed through South Carolina already, but it appears that north winds have pushed some late migrants our way. 

Pine Warbler (hatch year, female)

-Noah Nei

LITTLE BEAR

Today was an extremely slow day for us. We started the day out a little windy and it was consistent enough, that it made our total captured birds low. We ended with a total of 18 birds with only 2 recaptures.

We did capture a few highlighted species for the day, our first of the season Rose-breasted Grosbeak and also another Blackpoll Warbler and a Pine Warbler. 

The Blackpoll Warbler is something that was fun and unexpected since they should be already gone. This one must have been late but with a score of fat being a 5 (highest score) and weighing in at 17.3 grams, I think he'll be leaving as soon as possible. They are fun to see, especially a healthy, chunky one.

Blackpoll Warbler (Hatch year, unknown sex)

Our Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a fun capture since they do not winter here in South Carolina or in the U.S. but they winter in Central American, Caribbean Islands and South America. This one was a little late to the migration party but just like the Blackpoll Warbler this little cutie had some fat that shall get him to his wintering grounds soon. Unfortunately he wasn't the best photogenic individual for us.
The Pine Warbler is our second one we captured this season at Little Bear. I was excited to capture another one. It seems like they choose to be in higher canopies but with our little bit of wind, we managed to snag this wonderful adult female. 

Pine Warbler (After hatch year, Female)

We also captured our second Blue-headed Vireo! It was nice to see another one since Little Bear is now on its soon to be single digit count down. I am excited to see what will be in store for us in the last 2 weeks!

Blue-headed Vireo (hatch year, unknown sex)

-Kristin 

Species	Captain Sam's		Little Bear
	New	Recaps	New	Recaps
Blue-headed Vireo	1	-	1	-
Golden-crowned Kinglet	-	1	-	-
Ruby-crowned Kinglet	-	1	-	-
House Wren	-	2	-	-
Gray Catbird	-	4	-	1
Song Sparrow	2	-	-	-
Swamp Sparrow	3	1	1	-
Orange-crowned Warbler	-	1	1	-
Common Yellowthroat	2	1	-	-
Cape May Warbler	2	-	-	-
Northern Parula	1	-	-	-
Blackpoll Warbler	-	-	1	-
Black-throated Blue Warbler	-	1	-	-
Palm Warbler (western)	1	-	2	-
Pine Warbler	1	-	1	-
Yellow-rumped Warbler (myrtle)	36	7	7	-
Rose-breasted Grosbeak	-	-	1	-
Painted Bunting	2	-	1	1

Today's Banding Stats	Captain Sams	Little Bear	TOTAL
# Birds Banded	52	16	68
# of Recaptures	19	2	21
# of Species	16	10	18
Effort (net-hours)	169.5	132.1	301.6
Capture Rate (birds/100 net-hours)	41.9	13.6	29.5
# of Nets	32	26	58

2024 Fall Cumulative Banding Stats	Captain Sams	Little Bear	TOTAL
# Birds Banded	4,892	3,145	8,037
# of Recaptures	1,069	874	1,943
# of Species	87	86	101
Effort (net-hours)	12,977.4	8,284.6	21,261.9
Capture Rate (birds/100 net-hours)	45.9	48.5	46.9
# of Days	79	69

Banding Staff

Michael Gamble (CS)

Kristin Attinger (LB)

Natalie Miller (LB)

Lisa Viviano (CS)

Noah Nei (CS)

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