Monday April 22, 2024: 16 new birds of 6 species, 19 recaps. No new species. Bird of the day is a tie between Ruby- and Golden-crowned Kinglets, each with 5 new bands.
Brrrrr . . . it was a COLD start to the day, with the temperature at freezing when we opened our nets! There was frost on the ground, but luckily our nets were clear so we could open them on time. We were also lucky the day was calm and clear, so we were warmed by the sun even as the air was brisk.
There were not really enough birds today to keep our volunteers busy, and so in between net runs we variably sat around, filled potholes in the parking lot with rocks, or pulled invasive weeds.
The most interesting bird we captured today was a younger (second-year) male Red-winged Blackbird. Compare the epaulet of this bird with the older male we caught last week:
The epaulet of the younger bird is much less vivid. You might also notice that the black feathers are not as glossy and are edged in buffy-tan; we call this kind of edging “frosting,” and it is typical of black feathers on younger birds in a variety of species.
Later in the evening, we participated in Pittsford’s Earth Day Event. Held at the community center, this event brought together a dozen local organizations like A Frog House, Color Pittsford Green, and Impact Earth to provide information about conservation; offered activities and games for kids; and had a Kona Ice truck providing snacks.
Many thanks to our Monday crew – Amaya, Kayleigh, Gabby, Killian, Lauren, Dan H, Erin, Jules, Debi and Janet.
Braddock Bay Bird Observatory 
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