To report technical problems,
e-mail webmaster@lslbo.org

Archived Postings

May 30, 2005 – June 5, 2005

May 30 to June 5 Spring migration is definitely nearing an end as the songbirds are preparing for the breeding season. A total of 113 birds were banded this week. Banding totals early in the week were reasonably high but dropped as the week progressed. The number of recaptured birds, however, increased throughout the week. Recaptured birds are individuals already fitted with bands. The same individuals were captured almost daily because their territories, and possibly nests, are in the vicinity of the netlanes. Increasing occurrences of captured birds in breeding condition is an indication that many birds are finished migrating and starting to breed. Many captured males had developed cloacal protuberances; the cloaca enlarges for mating. Females will soon begin developing brood patches when they are ready to lay eggs. They will drop their breast feathers and their chest will become filled with fluid. This allows for direct contact with their eggs for incubation. A pair of eastern phoebes has made their nest under the eaves of the banding lab. The first inspection of the nest was on June 5 and five eggs were discovered. It is a good thing to have an eastern phoebe nest nearby. They are a member of the flycatcher family. They eat flies. The parents will have to catch a lot of flies to feed the very hungry nestlings. We can only hope that the diet of the young will consist mostly of mosquitoes. The LSLBO held its annual Songbird Festival on June 4 and 5. Activities took place at the banding lab on the 4 which included: guided tours, banding demonstrations, kid’s activities, displays, and yummy pancakes. Ominous clouds and an unfavorable weather forecast may have discouraged some visitors from participating, but the rain stayed away for the 300 visitors that did take part. It was a slow banding day with only nine birds banded. The few birds that were caught gave the banders more opportunity to spend time explaining the banding process and showing off the little songbirds. The birds were spread out enough throughout the morning so almost all the groups were able to see the banding. Activities on the 5th included the Lily Lake hike and the Bird Run. Both activities had a good turnout. Overall, the 2005 Songbird Festival was considered a success. Thanks to all the volunteers for helping with the events.

2010