Two FOS & Some Fine Tuned Measuring

 CAPTAIN SAMS

Another slow and hot day of banding at Captain Sam's. We totaled 26 captures with two new species for the season: one Common Yellowthroat and two Traill's Flycatchers. After taking various measurements we could confirm one flycatcher as an Alder while in the field. "Why the need for measurements?" you may ask. Great question, blog reader! Alder Flycatchers and Willow Flycatchers used to be considered one species (Traill's Flycatcher), until 1973, when scientists decided they didn't like that anymore. Although almost identical in appearance, the two species have slightly different morphologies and behavioral patterns. They have distinctly different songs and vocalizations and don't interbreed, but in the hand the slight length differences in certain flight feathers can usually tell us which species we've caught! These species' songs are actually hardwired into their genetics. Scientists tested this by hatching and raising Willow Flycatchers solely around Alder Flycatchers. Despite only hearing Alder vocalizations, the Willows would still sing their distinct song! 

Alder Flycatcher, Hatch Year, Sex Unknown

-Aiden

Species	Captain Sam's		Little Bear
	New	Recaps	New	Recaps
Downy Woodpecker	1	-	-	-
Traill's Flycatcher	2	-	-	-
Red-eyed Vireo	1	-	-	-
Ovenbird	1	-	-	-
Northern Waterthrush	3	-	-	-
Common Yellowthroat	1	-	-	-
American Redstart	2	-	-	-
Prairie Warbler	2	1	-	-
Northern Cardinal	2	-	-	-
Painted Bunting	9	-	-	-
Carolina Chickadee	-	1	-	-

Today's Banding Stats	Captain Sams	Little Bear	TOTAL
# Birds Banded	24	-	-
# of Recaptures	2	-	-
# of Species	11	-	-
Effort (net-hours)	4.2	-	-
Capture Rate (birds/100 net-hours)	18.8	-	-
# of Nets	33	-	-

2026 Fall Cumulative Banding Stats	Captain Sams	Little Bear	TOTAL
# Birds Banded	136	-	-
# of Recaptures	44	-	-
# of Species	22	-	-
Effort (net-hours)	712.3	-	-
Capture Rate (birds/100 net-hours)	25.3	-	-
# of Days	5	-

Banding Staff

Aaron Given (CS)

Aiden Gifford (CS)

Olivia DeMarchi (CS)

Jasmine Fu (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.