August 28, 2010 - Fall Migration Monitoring

What seemed like ideal conditions (clear skies and northerly winds) for overnight migration did not materialize into birds being caught. However, of the 40+ birds captured today only a few were recaptures, indicating that many of the birds that were staging at Iona have moved on.

The day started off calm, but the wind picked up mid-way through the morning resulting in the closing of half the nets. As a result no birds were caught over the last few rounds. But with a few busy rounds early on it ended up a moderately paced morning, with lots of Yellow Warblers and our first wave of Lincoln's Sparrows. We also managed to catch the station's first Western Tanager.



In the sewage lagoons there were now 4 Red-necked Phalaropes and a Wilson's still hanging around. Few other interesting birds were noted in the area.

While I have almost given up with predicting what the next day will bring, the strong winds forecast tonight it will likely be a slower day tomorrow.