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Archived Postings

May 16, 2005 – May 22, 2005

May 16 – May 22, 2005 Canada warblers have arrived! The first canada warbler of 2005 was heard early in the morning on May 22. Two months of research activities is about to begin at the LSLBO because of this bird. The Canada Warbler Project, initiated in 2003, has many aspects that focus on the breeding biology of canada warblers. Existing breeding information on this species is limited leaving many questions to be answered. The LSLBO is in a unique position to conduct breeding studies because canada warblers breed in relatively high densities in LSLBO’s study sites and the LSLBO can commit to long term data collection. Canada warblers are secretive and their nests are extremely difficult to find (hence the limited breeding data available). The LSLBO staff refined nest searching methods in 2004 and are hoping for even better success in 2005. In the spirit of the project, this first canada warbler was sought out. It was already banded, but it did not have any colour markings used to identify the breeding individuals studied in the past two summers. Wet weather halted banding activities for three days this week. Heavy rains on the 17th flooded two of the most productive nets. The heavy rain also grounded many of the migrants. Hundreds of sparrows and warblers were seen flocking from tree to tree and the ground was swarming with birds. Nets were opened on the 18th with an outstanding 105 birds banded. A very busy day, but well worth it. 215 birds were banded this week bringing the spring migration total to 361 banded. New species banded included blackpoll warblers, tennessee warblers, ovenbirds, common yellowthroat, and clay-colored sparrows. New sightings this week included red-eyed vireos, cedar waxwings, and american redstarts. There were also two neat observations this week. The first observation was an upland sandpiper spotted on May 17. Upland sandpipers have been seen at the observatory before, but they are primarily a prairie species and very uncommon in the area. The second observation was the courtship display of an evening grosbeak. The male was attempting to get the attention of his would-be girlfriend. He sat on a branch, lifted his wings out a little, and started to shake. He was so intense about it that he actually shook off his branch and fell. The funny thing about it, the female did not seem to have anything to do with the poor guy. It’s so hard being single.

2010