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Archived Postings

April 25, 2005 – April 28, 2005

The Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory began spring migration monitoring for the 2005 field season on April 25th. In past years the banding station opened mid-April to document the arrival of the early migratory species. The LSLBO’s banders were committed to another project this spring and were not able to start monitoring until a little later. A Long-eared Owl greeted the observers during the very first visual migration count of 2005. A good bird and a great way to start a year! As the mist nets were set up on that surprisingly warm morning, breeding calls of many early migrants were heard. Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Winter Wrens, American Robins, Northern Flickers, Song Sparrows, and Hermit Thrushes were a few of the species heard singing. However, overall numbers were still low meaning that there are plenty more birds to join these few. General passage of migrants was slow, consisting mostly of Blackbirds and the odd Myrtle Warbler. Just remember, spring is still early and many birds will pass overhead. The section of Lesser Slave Lake in front of the lab was frozen to the shoreline on opening day. Open water could not be far away because Common Goldeneye, Common Mergansers, and Mallard were very active. Heavy winds on the 26th pushed the ice away from the shoreline increasing open water and waterfowl activity. American Wigeon, American Green-winged Teal, and Gadwall were new additions along the shoreline. More heavy wind completely cleared the ice away in front of the lab by the morning of the 27th. Red-breasted Mergansers and Red-necked Grebe took advantage of the access to the deeper water. Banding was slow with only 10 birds banded this week. 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 2 Hermit Thrushes, 2 Dark eyed Juncos, and 1 American Robin were banded. The two adult male Sharp-shinned Hawks banded were the highlight of the week. Both were completely grey (young ones have brown feathers) and both had blood-red eyes (younger ones have yellow to orange eyes). Very impressive birds that look mean!

2010