Yukon Bird Observatories Update - May 5, 2011

This past week saw a number of new species arriving at the Yukon Bird Observatories, particularly at Albert Creek (ACBO).

This past week, 330 birds were banded at ACBO. A noticeable movement of Fox Sparrow occurred from the 2nd to the 4th with 94 individuals banded. The numbers of Rusty Blackbird banded (51) have also been quite exceptional to date and is the second highest spring banding total for this species since ACBO began monitoring in 2001. Small numbers of Myrtle Warbler have been banded to date (16) and there is undoubtably many more individuals of this common species to arrive in the coming weeks. American Tree Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco and White-crowned Sparrow continue to be banded in low numbers but no real movement has been noted to date. New species banded for the season this past week included the following; Hermit Thrush (May 4), Savannah Sparrow (May 4), Lincoln's Sparrow (May 1) and Golden-crowned Sparrow (May 5).

At McIntyre Marsh in the past week, the station operated during the weekend and sporadically during the week. A substantial movement of birds has not yet been seen at the site; however, a number of new species have been arriving at the site over the course over the previous week. New species banded in the past week have included Dark-eyed Junco, Lincoln's Sparrow, Myrtle Warbler, American Tree Sparrow and White-crowned Sparrow. The most notable bird sighting was the Song Sparrow which has been singing in the early morning of the past week (this is presumably the same individual banded at the site on April 30). This species is considered rare in the Whitehorse; however, it has occurred at the site in the past. Two new species of shorebird (Lesser Yellowlegs and Wilson Snipe have also arrived at the marsh).

Savannah Sparrow

Hermit Thrush

Rusty Blackbird (male)

Song Sparrow