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)