[mou] Re: Hawk Ridge passerine migration

[dgrosshu@nrri.umn.edu]

In the last two days, Aug. 27 and 28, over 520 birds were banded at Hawk 
Ridge.  This accounts for nearly one-fifth of the Aug. total to date.  On Aug. 
27 a substantial migration of warblers and thrushes took place.  At dawn 
several flocks of warblers were observed streaming overhead at the banding 
station; however, relatively few birds found there way into a mist-net.  In 
total, 162 birds were banded on Aug. 27, with a respectable 13 species of 
warblers.  Warbler highlights were the first Golden-winged and Blackpoll 
warblers of the year, with the 3rd Connecticut Warbler.  Also of note was the 
first significant movement of Swainson's Thrushes.

Aug. 28 was a different story!  The old record of 271 birds banded in one day 
was shattered with an astounding 362 birds today.  Sixteen species of warblers 
domintated todays total, with highlights being another Golden-winged Warbler, 2 
Connecticut Warblers, and 2 Northern Parulas.  Of the 16 species, American 
Redstarts were the main show, with 144 birds coloring the nets.  This is by far 
the most redstarts banded in a single day.  Swainson's and Veery thrushes, 
again, migrated in good numbers.  Red-eyed Vireos were banded in record 
numbers, with 39 birds.  Not to mention, the first decent movement of 
Philadelphia Vireos occurred, with six birds.  Empidonax flycatchers were 
present in marginally good numbers, with all three Empidonax species present.  
Most noticeably though, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher numbers to date are 
substantially lower than August totals since 2000.

Dave Grosshuesch

Hawk Ridge Bird
Observatory

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	Natural Resources Research Institute
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