This morning Idaho Bird Observatory had its first MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) banding session of the year up at Lucky Peak. The purpose of MAPS banding is to see what species are around and will breed in that area, as well as to see how many birds are returning from year to year. IBO has been doing MAPS banding at Lucky Peak for close to 18 years! This morning we had 10 mist nets set up around the top of the mountain and captured at least 70 birds! Below are some photos from this morning! Unfortunately, I am dissipointed with how my new canon camera handled taking up-close shots compared to my old Olympus camera, so I think I will use my old camera next time….
MacGillivray's Warbler - male
Black-headed Grosbeak - male
Cassin's Vireo
'Western' Flycatcher; probably a Cordilleran
Orange-crowned Warbler - male
Warbling Vireo; behind the MacGillivray's Warblers, this was my favorite today
'Audubon's' Yellow-rumped Warbler
A male Western Tanager biting Jay Carlisle's finger