Date: 6/1/25 7:57 am From: meredith <meredithmcburney...> Subject: [cobirds] Chatfield Banding Station - Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 5/31/25
Our last day seemed like it should be the last day of monitoring spring migration. We banded only 8 birds plus caught 8 that had been previously caught this season. Only 2 of the 8 new birds and none of the recaps were for sure migrating through - a Swainson's Thrush and a MacGillivray's Warbler. A majority of the summer and year-round resident birds showed signs of breeding.
A few unofficial observations about the season (subject to change once data is finalized):
The first couple of weeks were dismal, well below normal, followed by a couple of fairly robust weeks. In the end, preliminary results show we are in the normal range for total birds caught. This was made possible, at least in part, by a banner year for Gray Catbirds, which this year are challenging Yellow Warblers for the most caught species title.
Flycatchers continue to be in short supply. Swainson's Thrush numbers are up, but there were very few Hermit Thrushes.
Here are the 8 new birds banded on our final day of the season:
Thanks as always to the loyal crew of volunteers who make it possible to efficiently run a banding station that monitors birds while sharing information with school groups and/or the general public every day of the season. You tolerate the slow days and step up when it gets busy. This season you also got to protect the birds from a persistent bobcat (who had to be chased off almost every day), a snapping turtle (who chose to lay her eggs directly under net 26), numerous deer (who are not interested in the birds but seem to enjoy destroying nets), and rumors of a fox prowling around net 22.
Thanks also to all you who care deeply about birds. I have e-mails from several of you to which I have not yet responded; I will do so before heading off to the CFO conference at the end of this coming week!
Until next season,
Meredith McBurney Chatfield Bander Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
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