Date: 9/26/26 4:44 pm From: cronakelsey via groups.io <cronakelsey...> Subject: [NEBirds] Bird Conservancy of the Rockies Banding Report - Wildcat Hills Station 9/22/2026 - 9/26/2026
Hello folks!
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I’ve got a weekly update for you from the Wildcat Hills banding station. Less than ideal conditions including windy, wet, and cool weather caused the station to be slower this week. However, numbers were decent and three new species were added to the seasonal list! I banded 98 new birds of 18 species.
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Red Crossbill: 27
Cassin’s Finch: 17
House Finch: 11
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s): 9
Townsend’s Solitaire: 5
Spotted Towhee: 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch: 4
Wilson’s Warbler: 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 3 *new species*
Orange-crowned Warbler: 3
Chipping Sparrow: 3
Pink-sided Junco: 2
Pine Siskin: 1
Townsend’s Warbler: 1
Lesser Goldfinch: 1
Pygmy Nuthatch: 1
Field Sparrow: 1 *new species*
American Robin: 1 *new species*
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A slower week but still full of surprises. The number of Cassin’s Finches have continued to grow, and Townsend’s Solitaires are one of my favorite species, so I’ve felt quite spoiled with how many I’ve caught! Additionally, the Field Sparrow was a nice surprise! It was my first time banding this species.
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There were a decent number of visitors this week. Two elementary schools brought young learners to see birds up close, and a group of undergraduate wildlife students from UNL spent a morning learning about the operation of the station. Additionally, we celebrated 20 years of banding at Wildcat Hills today! It was a great week to share bird banding with so many people.
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Our schedule for the coming weeks looks a bit different. Weather permitting, the station will be open on 9/29 - 10/5. Nets will open around 6:35am and will close at 12:35pm. The station will be closed 10/6 and 10/7, but will be open 10/8 - 10/10. The station will close on the 10th, so get your visits in while you still can!
