Difference between days

Common Yellowthroat

This weekend seven birds were caught on each day but what a difference in the composition of species. The most likely reason is a weather front that started to come through the area between the two sessions. Rain was forecast on Sunday morning and so I reduced the number of nets that would need closing in a hurry. As it was the rain held off until mid-afternoon.

On Saturday the only neotropical bird was a Northern Waterthrush. On Sunday there were two each of Common Yellowthroat and Red-eyed Vireo and an American Redstart. On Saturday three birds were recaptures; none on Sunday. My fingers faired better on Sunday. The Saturday cardinals (both AHY males) chewed on me.

Red-eyed Vireo

New species at station

This banding station is not on a major fall migration route. I was pleasantly surprised to find a Northern Waterthrush in a net this morning. In theory the habitat is suitable; at least for a stop over for a waterthrush. This is the first NOWA banded here. This particular bird has a strong yellow shade underneath and in the supercilium.


The other species banded or recaptured today are year round residents: 2 northern cardinals, a trio of tufted titmouse (with a 4th avoiding the net) and a carolina wren.

Unsettled, cooler weather is forecast to come in tonight. Today's 90+F temperature is probably the last of the summer heat.

Bugs on garlic chives

On this warm sunny afternoon Swallowtail butterflies were hovering over a patch of garlic chives in the neglected herb bed. As I had a small camera with macro feature in my pocket I went over to take photos. The large butterflies immediately left but I looked around for other subjects. The photographs here are of the different insects I found enjoying the flower nectar. The variety of color and species was surprising.

I tried to ID the butterflies. I have no idea what species the various other insects are. If anyone knows please post a comment.








A piece of a Common Buckeye butterfly. The larger butterflies, like swallowtails, moved whenever I tried to take a picture.

Red-banded hairstreak butterfly

Great purple hairstreak butterfly. Insect constantly moved (rubbing motion) wings and revealed blue on one side and red on the other. At first I thought two butterflies were somehow co-joined.

Silver spotted skipper butterfly

Ammophila?

a scolid?