the spring season has just started!

Back at the station for a new season, I set up the nets on April 15. Banding started the following day; with the cold weather and strong north wind, migration was rather slow at first. When clouds cleared and wind died off, the urge to migrate prevailed once more: lots of birds have been moving through since yesterday. Robins, Blackbirds, Flickers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Turkey Vultures and Red-tailed Hawks have been filling the sky with their flocks!

Banding was especially good today with a total of 57 birds caught and banded (of 9 species). Brown Creepers made up the majority, with an impressive 26 birds caught, the highest number ever for this species in a day!

Very interesting sightings include: a young Golden Eagle seen almost daily since last Sunday; Bald Eagles seen regularly; the first Yellow-rumped Warbler of the year (April 18).

Stephane