Last CLDC MAPS Session
A recaptured Common Yellowthroat who remembers me from last year.
Today was our last CLDC MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) banding session for the 2007 season! This was such a wonderful year and I can’t wait to enter all my data into the computer to learn how this season compared with other years. I promise in the near future that I will do a summary for both CLDC and SWAT banding station.
Young Naturalist J removing a Hummingbird from the Mist Net
With the temperatures cooler than expected in the morning (51F), it wasn’t till almost closing time that the temperatures reached over 80F. We had different spurts of birds throughout the day and was able to captured 12 different species. I shouldn’t count the Ruby Throated Hummingbird since my permit doesn’t allow me to band them. We had 26 newly banded birds, 5 recaptured birds and the hummingbird. This was a wonderful warbler day with 9 Chestnut-sided Warblers, 3 Common Yellowthroats, 1 American Redstart, 1 Magnolia Warbler and 1 Ovenbird. We were also happy with the Indigo Buntings, House Wrens and the flycatcher we caught. Young Naturalist J was field assistant for the day and Sam (and her mother) also arrived for our last banding session.
Sam releasing a Common Yellowthroat.
I would like to thank Young Naturalist J (and his parents) for making it to so many banding sessions that we have. You are a great Banding Assistant (except when you take my hat, I still owe you for that) and I can always rely on you being their when needed. I have many other (awesome) banding assistants like Young Naturalist C, Young Naturalist E and Young Naturalist H who also deserves just as much of a “huge” THANKS for all of your help when you are able to make it. We have have the many families, friends, et al. . . . who take the time to visit the banding station who I greatly appreciate doing so. It is all of you who volunteers that allow me to run this station (since I couldn’t do it by myself). THANKS EVERYONE!!
Young male Common Yellowthroat
It shouldn’t be too long before many of these birds start their migration south and my Owl Season begins in two months. This gives me some time to dabble with my back yard banding and getting back to more of my nature photography that I have been slacking on lately.
Young Magnolia Warbler (sorry best picture I got of it)
Mon@rch's Nature Blog 
Wow, Tom, I can’t believe how fast this year’s banding went for you! Can’t wait to see the final results compared to other years.
And congratulations to all of your wonderful assistants!
4 August 2007 at 7:43 pm
August….longer nights, cooler days and the end of your summer bird banding season….a bittersweet time for sure, Tom. It was fun to share in all of your marvelous pictures and stories (even though I didn’t find your blog till a couple months ago).
4 August 2007 at 9:13 pm
You’re apologizing for that picture of the young magnolia warbler? If I had taken that picture I’d be mighty pleased.
Congratulations for a job well done and for your sharing it with those aspiring young naturalist. You’ve enriched their lives as you’ve passed along your enthusiasm and expertise. Not bad, at all :0)
4 August 2007 at 9:41 pm
You’re apologizing for the photo of the magnolia warbler? It’s a gorgeous shot–thanks for all that you have shared.
4 August 2007 at 9:58 pm
You have such a cool job.
4 August 2007 at 10:43 pm
Wow, those are great pictures. I agree, there’s nothing to apologize about here.
5 August 2007 at 1:07 am
@Pam – tell me about it! We just didn’t want it to end yet! ;(
@ Ruthie – glad you did find me and wait till Owl Season! It gets even more fun for sure!
@ Cathy – if you looked at it larger in sized, you would see what I am talking about! Just a little blurry for me! Thanks for your kind words and at this point they are the ones starting to teach me things!
@ KGMom – once again, still a little blurry for my taste! But did like the composition and colors! Only reason I uploaded it! You know me, like fine detail in each feather!
@ Barb – thanks but really isn’t my job! My job is sitting behind the computer all day! I hope not for long and something changes soon!
@ Laurie – thanks and like I said, just a little blurry for what I like doing! It was a great bird though!
5 August 2007 at 3:56 pm
So many beautiful birds!
I just have to find a banding station near my house. You inspire me!
Thank you,
Sherry
5 August 2007 at 5:54 pm
Stop it with the photography self-criticism already!
you’re photos are great!
5 August 2007 at 6:20 pm
We had a very good year, and that Magnolia is not a bad picture at all I have seen worse.
5 August 2007 at 7:07 pm
LOL at Birdbander11 “I have seen worse” me too, MUCH worse
What a fabulous end to the season!
5 August 2007 at 8:34 pm
It’s been a joy to see your pictures throughout the season – I’d definitely like to make it up and take part at some point next year! Thanks for sharing your studies and your great pictures.
8 August 2007 at 3:51 pm
These shots are just amazing! And my, what gorgeous creatures!
11 August 2007 at 1:54 pm