Kinglet and Thrashers – PSU Fall Banding

Heavy fog and very cold temperatures again this morning, and we had our slowest morning of banding yet with just 22 birds of 7 species captured and banded. The official breakdown was 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 11 Gray Catbirds, 1 Brown Thrasher, 1 Common Yellowthroat, and 4 White-throated Sparrows. We also had a number of recaptures including 1 Northern Mockingbird from 10/23/12, 1 Gray Catbird from 9/20/13, 1 Brown Thrasher from 9/17/13, and 1 Black-capped Chickadee from 9/20/13. For the beginning of the fall season, Gray Catbirds are our most commonly captured species but as the fall goes on, that title is quickly awarded to the White-throated Sparrow. We have only caught 1 other White-throated prior to today, but with 4 this morning it is becoming obvious that October is only a few days away. Similarly, the scarcity of warblers and increasing numbers of Ruby-crowned Kinglets is a clue that we are entering the next phase of fall migration. Two Brown Thrasher were handled today, and that’s always a treat – seeing those big, rufous mimids up close was a highlight.