We are well past the peak of fall migration and if you needed to describe this fall in one word, it would be SLOW! Our fall migration monitoring program will run until the end of September, however with peak migration behind us, this is shaping up to be a slower, more average year compared to the many busy seasons before it. This quiet fall is true not only for net captures, but overhead migration observations as well.
As peak migration at the station winds down with most of our local birds already well on their journey south. So far this fall, 1142 birds have been banded for what is shaping up to be a below average season. Here’s our current top 5 banded species:
- American Redstart (159 banded)
- Ovenbird (128)
- Swainson’s Thrush (119)
- Tennessee Warbler (111)
- Canada Warbler (79)
Merlin – first one banded at the LSLBO!
The LSLBO did add an exciting new species to the stations list – banding our first ever Merlin on July 26th (followed by the second ever just a few days later!). Although our mist-nets typically catch smaller songbirds, we sometimes end up with lucky surprises like this falcon. Having a breeding pair nest close to the banding station certainly helps. Many birds will return to successful breeding sites year after year, a behaviour known as site fidelity. Merlins have been shown to exhibit moderate site fidelity, as well as natal philopatry, meaning they return to their birthplace, so there’s a possibility that one may return in the future. These small raptors are impressive fliers, known for their speed and agility. Merlins typically fly at an average speed of 45km/h but can exceed a whopping 70km/h while in pursuit of prey like small songbirds and shorebirds.
Although we may be experiencing a slower year, that is why long-term data collection is so important. Every bird that is observed adds to the picture that only becomes clear over time, helping us to better understand bird movement and population trends.
By Dana MacDonald – Boreal Interpreter
