Date: 5/16/26 2:28 pm From: Olivia DeMarchi via groups.io <oliviademarchi7...> Subject: [NEBirds] Ash Hollow Banding Station Week 4 Summary
Ash Hollow Banding Station Week 4 (May 12-16) Summary
Greetings! It was another productive week of banding at Ash Hollow with 184 newly banded birds and 13 recaptures. About half of the total birds banded this week were Swainson's Thrush, so I am deeming the Swainson's Thrush the emblem of Ash Hollow. Despite SWTH ruling the station, the diversity of birds has really kicked up in the last week with a total of 27 species captured, including some very exciting warblers. Saturday brought a handful of species typically only seen in the eastern United States. I was shocked to find both a Hooded Warbler and a Worm-eating Warbler in our nets on the same net run. Both individuals, as well as the Magnolia Warbler from last week were second-years, or birds that hatched last year, which supports my running theory that young birds are more likely to get off-track during migration. I haven't dug into the literature on this topic, but it makes sense that birds with a little less life experience are more likely to find themselves in unfamiliar territory. On Saturday I also heard a Northern Parula singing high in the cottonwoods, so I'm sure there will be more strange vagrants popping up next week.
Other highlights from the week include a stunning after second-year male Lazuli Bunting, an Orchard Oriole, and a Yellow-breasted Chat. The Gray Catbirds have also started coming in droves, so I hope to see many more next week. Next week is the last week of banding for our spring migration season, so if you are interested in seeing bird banding come on out! The best time to come is early morning between 6-8, but there are plenty of birds around all morning.
We are open to the public and encourage visitors to come check out bird banding Tuesday-Saturday sunrise to 6 hours after sunrise, weather permitting, until May 23rd. We are located at Ash Hollow State Historical Park off of highway 26 near Lewellen, NE. If coming north on highway 26, take a right onto Rd 42 following signs for the visitor center, then take the first left after crossing the stream. Ahead there is a picnic area with a small parking lot and a bathroom. The banding station is located in the grove of trees on the west edge of the parking lot. We hope to see you there!
Olivia DeMarchi
Bander, Ash Hollow
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
