[birding] Finley birds

[Molly Monroe]

Just a few highlights from a day in the field yesterday (we're in the process of packing up for a move to the new office building Tuesday so my one day in the field was a good one!):

-A Western Kingbird was seen on Bald Top, hanging out in an oak tree. I think it was with some bluebirds and the lazuli buntings that hang out near the signs overlooking the farm field just south of the office. Neat to see it up there!
-On our way out to banding yesterday morning, I counted 58 Am White Pelicans which might be a high for Cabell Marsh! Would be interesting to see if these move from refuge to refuge or if there are large numbers moving up from Fern Ridge. I'm thinking about doing a same day census to get a total number.
-Although we had a very slow day banding (many birds are incubating and feeding chicks these last two weeks), our best bird yet was a Western Bluebird in a net near the edge of our treatment work on Pigeon Butte. This is a great sign of improvement to the oak habitat on that SE corner of the butte. What a beauty to have in hand! Last round, we caught a Wrentit and Lazuli Bunting in that same area, so although the total numbers are down, these unique species are just what we're hoping for in that restoration area. We spend our free time watching the Western wood-pewees busily feeding their chicks above the road. They fly around the nest area like bats and perch to wad up the insects (I had a big fly leg drop in my lap!) before delivering. The chicks are pretty big so I'm not expecting them to be there next time.
Have a great weekend,
Molly~



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//"Endangered species are sensitive indicators of how we are treating the
planet and we should be listening carefully to their message




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