Light Northwest winds turn things around

Today was a busier day than the weekend which was very slow with no more than a seven bird day and a twenty-one bird day. Yippee! The winds were more favorable overnight with a light NW wind. I left the station up to Mark and the volunteers today, so of course it was going to be a good day! That is the way it happened the last time.
Eleven species of warbler were seen on site including Tennessee, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Black-throated Blue, Blackpoll, Black-and White, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Mourning, Common Yellowthroat, and Wilson’s. There were 43 new banded birds and 3 recaptures.

Top 5 species were:
Swainson’s Thrush – 11
Gray Catbird – 8
Blackpoll Warbler – 4
Ovenbird – 3
Gray-cheeked Thrush -3

Quiz bird for the day in parts: First the tail. Notice the tail pattern. This is a big hint!

This warbler has a characteristic tail pattern that no other wood warbler has. Here is the front end of the bird: How are you doing? Isn't she one beautiful female?

Here is the whole bird for you to get the entire picture. Afterall you do not always get to see the whole bird in the field so paying close attention to other features may be helpful. Do you see the little splash of color at the bend of the wing? The bill is wider and has many rictal bristles (Whiskers) than most warblers. This assists it in aerial foraging like flycatchers do.

And if you guessed American Redstart you are correct! Get out and enjoy the great weather!