SWAT END YEAR REPORT
Song Sparrow (most captured species)
I have finally gone through all of my 2007 SWAT MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) raw data this week. It has been hard trying to focus on this report with “other” new higher speed internet distractions that I have been having recently. Regarding the SWAT report: we had 6 banding sessions and able to capture a total of 164 different individuals with 34 same year recaptures. We used 8 (12 meter) polyester mist-nets and banded for 6 hours after the official sunrise time. That gave us a total of 198 captures for the station and we were very happy with the excellent year that we had. Even with the need to close the station early due to the Long-tailed Weasel that terrorizing us. We are not sure what we will do with next season (regarding the weasel) but we have all winter to figure something out.
Some Simple Graphs of Species Captured for 2007
We happy captured 32 different species of birds at the station and it was wonderful to have a new variety of birds from what we normally get at the other station. Top four species included (36) Song Sparrows, (24) Gray Catbirds, (13) American Redstarts and (10) Common Yellowthroats. Some unexpected high capture rates included (9) Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, (7) Magnolia Warblers, (7) Swamp Sparrows and (7) Downy Woodpeckers. This site really appeared to be an excellent woodpecker location.
First Bird Captured at the Station
I would like to thank the NYS Office of Parks here in Allegany State Park for allowing me to set up this banding station on park property. Additional thanks to the numerous volunteers, families, parents and kids who have come out in the very early mornings to assist with the banding. It’s your help with carrying bags, excitement with each bird (including song sparrow), etc. . . . that keeps us extra motivated. We have great local support from the Roger Tory Peterson Institute and Jamestown Audubon in spreading the word about bird conservation with our studies. I have to give an extra huge THANKS to all of my field assistants like Young Naturalist J, C, E and H for their help with their many jobs that I give them. These guys treat this banding as if it was their job and without a doubt you guys will be our future scientist protecting our birdies from the many dumb things we do to the planet! Also to the Parents of these Young Naturalist who without a doubt enjoys the banding as much as the kids do! THANKS for taking those extra steps in allowing me to pass my bad habits on (like smelling a woodpeckers head) to the new generation of banders emerging here!
Red-eyed Vireo saying “see everyone next year”
Use this link SWAT MAPS to look back at my tags for post relating to the SWAT banding sessions. I will work on the CLDC MAPS report this weekend.
Mon@rch's Nature Blog 
What a great year you had Tom and all of your wonderful help! I love all of your excellent close-up birdie photos – the detail of the feathers is amazing. The one looking straight on is intimidating – like I’m in big trouble! LOL!
17 August 2007 at 9:06 pm
I hope you can find a way to continue this next year. Your banding pictures and stories have been so interesting!
17 August 2007 at 9:10 pm
Well, if smelling a woodpecker’s head is the nadir of your bad bird banding practices – I’d say you’re doing just fine. (Kinda makes me wonder what I’ve been missing)
Carry on Tom. Good job!
17 August 2007 at 9:37 pm
It’s been a wonderful banding season for you, Tom, and your young naturalists, and US. Every post was exquisite and heartwarming. You’re a naturalist for sure, and a natural educator. Kudos.
17 August 2007 at 9:45 pm
Amazing photos! You can see every feather!
18 August 2007 at 5:20 am
Amazing photos. How wonderful that these young kids want to help and do so with dedication. I’ll have to go back into your archives and read them. Don and I just may have to come up next year when you are banding since we are not to far. That is if you are at the same location.
18 August 2007 at 6:09 am
Why would you smell a woodpecker’s head? Too bad about that weasel. I’m glad you had a good year.
18 August 2007 at 6:56 am
I only found you recently and am in awe. I have so far to go. Thanks for commenting on my blog.
18 August 2007 at 7:20 am
@ Pam – thanks and my helpers were wonderful!
@ Ruth – I always have the other station but I probably will give the station a try and any sign of the weasel and it will be done forever!
@ Cathy – If you have never smelled one, you are missing a lot!
@ Mary – We did have a great hear! I am so glad you all were able to share it with me!
@ Threecollie – thanks and that’s how I like it!
@ Toni – thanks again and would love to have you join me! Owls are in the next few months!
@ Barb – You are just a little north of me, you should come down when you get a chance!
@ Martha – thanks and glad you visited!
18 August 2007 at 8:41 am
What all-around excellent work you do. I wish the birds could find some way to thank you for caring.
18 August 2007 at 12:10 pm
Great photos as usual, esp. the Red-eyed Vireo! A question – why does the banding station close for the year so early (weasel notwithstanding)? Is it because you’re looking for migratory birds primarily, or … ?
18 August 2007 at 2:30 pm
@ N Shutterbug! Blush, thanks!
@ Adam – thanks and young naturalist J took that REVI photo! The study is only looking at only breeding birds and we are trying to avoid capturing migrants (which are already on the movie)! Great question and I bet others have the same question being asked! THANKS!
19 August 2007 at 11:05 am
Wow glad I came here to check out your years end….now I couldn’t stay caught up on your blog before how am I ever going to do it with high speed?
Great totals I have to analyse this some more
19 August 2007 at 12:35 pm
@ Marg – I need to work on my end of the year CLDC report here soon! Not everything I am doing is with high speed!
19 August 2007 at 10:57 pm
You sure take some excellent pictures! The bird banding sounds like fun, except for the weasel part, of course.
22 August 2007 at 9:52 am