The Albert Creek Bird Observatory
began it's 12th consecutive spring season of operation on April 21st. The first two
days were quite slow with just a few birds banded and very few observed. The
weather was beautiful but cold. On the 23rd we witnessed a big wave of sparrows
move in and ended up with 120 banded most of which were American Tree Sparrows.
On the 26th we estimated 130 Rusty Blackbirds at the site; a new record for
ACBO ! On the 28th we had our first day of Tundra Swan movement estimating just
over 400. The big news was the reapperance of the notorious Barred Owl first
heard by Susan Drury on April 19th and has been heard hooting on most days
since. An other welcomed return was a Pileated Woodpecker spotted by Matt
Clarke on April 16th. Unfortunately we have not detected it since.
Our biggest challenge this week was
dealing with the very unstable weather. We were forced to open nets late on a
few days due to severe cold in the early morning and we had to run
one day as a non-standard day due to snow. We did not operate at all on
April 27th due to snow and rain which persisted throughout most of the
day. All in all we had a productive week and are looking forward to better
weather. Many thanks to Susan Drury for volunteering for the entire week and
Chris Nemeth who came down one day and may return. Thanks also
goes out to Ryan Drummond and Barry Drury for providing logistical help. Also thank you to Gerry Whitley for transporting the travel trailer to Watson Lake to accomodate the Bander In Charge.
Birds banded April 21st - 28th
inclusive
Wilson's Snipe - 1
Boreal Chickadee - 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 24
Myrtle Warbler - 4
American Tree Sparrow - 265
Savannah Sparrow - 2
Fox Sparrow - 12
Lincoln's Sparrow - 5
Gambel's White crowned Sparrow
- 3
Slate-colored Junco - 135
Rusty Blackbird - 21
Common Redpoll - 2
Season total = 476 birds of 12
species
Setting up mist nets and clearing the board walks |
Setting up mist nets and clearing the board walks |
male Rusty Blackbird |
Wilson's Snipe |
100 + Rusty Blackbirds observed near the banding table |
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