Blake Goll

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

September 13, 2019 By Blake Goll

Ruby-throated Hummingbird at Rushton Farm. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

After peeling yourself out of bed in the pitch black of pre-dawn in deliberate disobedience of your circadian rhythm, you wander through the dark to the bathroom where you reluctantly flip on the light and stand blinking into the mirror with owl sized pupils. You go through the motions of getting yourself dressed, quiet as a mouse so as not to wake your sleeping significant other. Finally you creep to the kitchen to adeptly pour coffee into your thermos without spilling a single precious drop even though the light from the east is still woefully dim.

When you get to the preserve, it is near dawn. The air is fresh, and the trees are alive with tinkling chip notes of migrant birds. As you get to work setting the nets in the hedgerows, you take comfort in the sound of an Eastern Screech Owl singing its haunting song down in the lower woods. You smile as the familiar catbird belts out its harsh petition for the sun to rise now. Above you, a rainbow stretches from one lavender cloud to the next and now you remember what it means to be a part of nature.

Billions of birds now have their sights set somewhere over that rainbow as they travel south by starlight. Our bird banding operation at Rushton Woods helps us monitor which migrants are using our specially managed preserve, understand how long they spend here preparing and fueling up for the journey, learn about populations and lifespans, and study their movements.

Yellow-breasted Chat captured this week. Photo by Blake Goll/Staff

Director of Bird Conservation, Lisa Kiziuk, educates visitor about a Gray Catbird before releasing it. Photo by Blake Goll/Staff

This fall has been excellent so far with a catch most days of 90-100 birds despite the warm weather we’ve been experiencing. Some highlights have included Connecticut Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Nashville Warbler, and Worm-eating Warbler. Some of the most abundant species include Gray Catbird and American Goldfinch.

Chestnut-sided Warbler being banded. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Connecticut Warbler banded 9/5. Photo by Blake Goll/Staff
Red-eyed Vireo banded this week. Photo by Blake Goll/Staff
American Redstart. Photo by Blake Goll/Staff

Black-throated Blue Warbler banded this week. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Young Ruby-throated Hummingbird caught at Rushton this fall. We simply release these at the net since we do not have a special hummingbird banding license. Photo by Blake Goll/Staff

Songbird Banding Open House is Tomorrow Morning (9/14) from 7-10:30 am at Rushton Woods Preserve

Come on out to observe our bird banding, see incredible migratory birds up close, and chat with field scientists.

There’s a lot going on in the woods,

Blake

Southbound

September 2, 2019 By Blake Goll

Baltimore Oriole banded this May. Photo by Blake Goll/Staff.

Summer is short for our migratory birds like this dazzling Baltimore Oriole. They grace us with their stunning tropical colors and songs for just a few months before their restless souls are again pulled southbound. The truth is, many of these neotropical migrants would likely call the lower latitudes their real home. The North’s appeal lies only in our temperate protein pulse, set in motion each spring by the freeze/thaw cycles found nowhere else. Rich nutrients from glacial soils migrate to the surface of rivers as it warms, thus supercharging an insect driven food web.

This spring’s banding season was our best spring yet with a total of 608 birds of 51 species. That total number includes 483 brand new birds plus 125 recaptures. All but one of the recaptures were our own birds either banded within the same spring season or in previous years at Rushton. The one outlier, or foreign recovery, was an American Goldfinch that was originally banded last fall as a hatch year bird in Maryland!

Visitors helping to release an American Goldfinch after it was banded this May. Photo by Blake Goll/Staff

April and May set some other records for us as well. We were seeing stripes as Black-and-white Warblers dripped from the trees; sure enough, the data showed that we more than doubled out highest Black-and-white capture (14 in 2017) with a total of 33! Oriole numbers were up as well with 7 Baltimore and 3 Orchard. This could very well be a testament to the rich edge habitat, which is preserved around our Rushton Farm that promotes conservation.

Visitors of all ages, from grade schools to universities, flocked to our banding station this spring to learn about these incredible creatures and how our banding efforts help us understand more about them. Check out our previous blog post to learn more about why we band birds at Rushton. Also please enjoy the galleries below of the highlights from our spring banding season. (Click on the individual photos for slideshow style with captions)

April 2019 Rushton Banding Highlights

May 2019 Rushton Banding Highlights

You can visit our banding station at Rushton Woods Preserve now that we are officially opened to the public for fall migration every Tuesday and Thursday morning (weather permitting) from sunrise until about 11 am. Fall migration extends from September 3rd to the first week of November. Stay tuned here for updates and photos throughout the exciting fall season, which is already off to a roaring start with 104 birds caught this past Tuesday.

There’s a lot going on in the woods,

Blake

For the Love of Birds

November 14, 2018 By Blake Goll

Golden-crowned Kinglet banded on October 30th. Photo by Blake Goll

On the morning before Halloween, the hedgerows and meadows of Rushton were teeming with migratory birds that had descended on the preserve in the pre-dawn chill. Banders skillfully processed a rush of 60 birds in just the first two hours of opening; the sun was high by the time Alison and I finally had the chance to look at each other and exchange morning greetings after those blurred hours of poring over birds side-by-side behind the banding table. During the lulls in activity, cold banders could be seen standing in the meadow thawing in the morning sun—some dressed in ridiculous (and awesome) bird onesies in the spirit of the holiday.

One of our banding volunteers as a Scarlet Macaw on October 30th Banding Bender. Photo by Blake Goll

We could not have picked a better day for Rushton’s first 24-hour long banding big day or bird banding bender as some called it. The purpose of this endeavor was to understand how the bird community shifts throughout the day at Rushton, whether foraging strategies change toward dusk, and if different species are active later in the day. Banders took shifts throughout the 24 hours until dawn of Halloween. The resulting catch was 115 songbirds of 22 species and 12 Northern Saw-whet Owls.

Northern Saw-whet Owl banding at the end of the big day, October 30th. This owl was not amused by the costumes. Photo by Amanda Dunbar

Analysis of the results led to some interesting finds. Most of the activity occurred during the first few hours after sunrise, as we suspected; this is when birds’ energy demands are highest after a long night of traveling or simply resting and metabolizing body fat for warmth. There was a drop in activity mid-day followed by a surge of activity from 4pm until sunset, such that banders had to finish processing the catch with headlamps lighting the feathers.

Banding birds at sunset on October 30th. Photo by Fred de Long

The top species from the banding bender included sparrows (White-throated, Song, and Swamp), American Robins, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Interestingly, the sparrows were only captured during the morning and evening rushes, whereas the kinglets were captured consistently throughout the day. We suspect this is because the kinglets have such high metabolisms that the mid-day siesta is not an option for them; they must forage all day long to meet their energy demands, gleaning mostly insects and spiders along with some seeds and berries.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet getting banded. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Visitor releasing a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Golden-crowned Kinglet getting banded on October 30th. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Hermit Thrush banded October 30th. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Banders were most excited about a White-crowned Sparrow, Brown Creeper, and a Sharp-shinned Hawk (banded at dusk). After operating the owl station through the night, we began catching songbirds again around 5:30 am, well before dawn. These were probably incoming migrants, dropping out of the night sky to rest their wings in the habitat that Rushton offers before the morning feeding frenzy.

Brown Creeper banded October 30th. Photo by Alison Fetterman

Leg gauging a Sharp-shinned Hawk for size at the end of the big day, October 30th. Photo by Amanda Dunbar

After the monumental effort of the big day, banders were back at it on November 1st for what was to be the last day of songbird banding for 2018. However, it didn’t quite feel like the end of the bell curve that we are trying to capture by working the entire season of avian migration. There was no tapering off of migrants, no time for stretching and yawning and reflecting on how great of a season it was. The only quiet moments were stolen during the opening of the station in the pre-dawn—hands reaching up to set the black nets against navy skies under the white moon, as sparrows twinkled and stirred in the hedgerows.

White-throated Sparrow banded November 1st. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

The morning rush hour on November 1st. Photo by Blake Goll

Then it was all hands on deck, bird bags weighing down our rack, nets sagging under the weight of birds, and leaves replaced by wings. Everywhere we looked, small balls of energy were flitting about; kinglets darted and hovered in the shrubs within an arm’s reach, the meadow was alive with sparrows, young White-throats babbled their beginner songs from every corner, robins streamed overhead, and flocks of geese sailed through the blue skies.

Rushton Farm sunrise on November 1st. Photo by Blake Goll

Banders extracting birds on November 1st. Photo by Blake Goll

There was a palpable migratory energy in the unseasonably warm air. There was plentitude, multiplicity, and joy. Psychologists claim that the human mind derives joy from abundance, round things, and color. I realized that morning why birds bring people so much joy. They are all of these things and more. We’re in this business to try to keep them abundant.

Cedar Waxwing in the hedgerow on November 1st. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

When all was said and done, we processed 97 new birds on November 1st (during the normal banding hours). A total of 14 species were caught including 32 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 10 Purple Finches, 27 White-throated Sparrows, and 2 White-crowned Sparrows. It was a strange day for the first of November with dragonflies, milkweed bugs, and butterflies active again, taking advantage of the last warm day. “If you can live, LIVE,” Alison said matter-of-factly. That struck me. All any of us creatures have is today, this season, and the beauty of this moment. And so we soldier on.

White-throated Sparrow release. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

White-crowned Sparrow banded November 1st. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Todd Alleger determining the age of a Tufted Titmouse banded November 1st. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Palm Warbler banded November 1st. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Male Purple Finch banded November 1st. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Female Purple Finch banded November 1st. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

It didn’t feel right shutting down the station with such a high capture rate and key bookend species missing including the Dark-eyed Juncos and Fox Sparrow. Though we were all tired from a long season, we decided to open the station again last week for one final day. “Can’t stop, won’t stop,” Holly said.

Holly Garrod taking “light box” photos of the birds on October 30th for feather study. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

For the love of birds, we operated last Thursday, November 8th. We processed 73 new birds and 14 recaps of 17 species, including the Dark-eyed Juncos and another Brown Creeper. The juncos are our snowbirds, breeding in the western mountains and Appalachians as well as throughout Canada, and gracing us with their white-tailed beauty all winter long. Like other overwintering sparrows, they enjoy feeding on the seeds of native perennials like goldenrod that we have available in the wild meadows of Rushton. For this reason, we do not mow our meadows until spring.

Dark-eyed Junco banded last Thursday. Photo by Blake Goll

Brown Creeper banded last Thursday. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Brown Creepers are one of our favorites as well. These bark-colored birds use their down-curved bills to probe under furrowed bark of large trees for insects and other arthropods. Methodically working their way up from the base of the tree, they use their rigid tail feathers as a kickstand, much like woodpeckers.

We concluded the season appreciating a few of our common residents including a Carolina Wren and a White-breasted Nuthatch.

White-breasted Nuthatch banded last Thursday. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Carolina Wren banded last Thursday. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Aging a Tufted Titmouse. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Swamp Sparrow banded last Thursday. Photo by Blake Goll

Last Gray Catbird banded last Thursday. Photo by Blake Goll

All in all, it was an extraordinary season, thanks to an exceptional team of licensed banders, ornithologists, volunteers, visitors, students, photographers, and bird lovers. The grand total was 1,010 new birds and 162 recaps of our own. We’ll be out there again next spring, for the love of birds.
There’s a heck of a lot going on in the woods,
Blake

Golden-crowned Kinglet released after banding last Thursday. Photo by Blake Goll

P.S. Stay tuned for a special owl report coming to a blog near you.

Banders Seeing Purple

October 28, 2018 By Blake Goll

Yellow-rumped Warbler (After Hatch Year male) banded Tuesday. Photo by Blake Goll

This is the time of the season when banders are beginning to grow weary as a result of having been up with the birds since the end of August, faithfully following the fall songbird migration—now coupled with the double duty of studying Northern Saw-whet Owls by night. Though we are tired, I think we’ll all agree that there’s no greater contentment than being a part of Nature’s changing of the seasons; the goldenrod and other wildflowers have gone to seed and taken on their fuzzy winter coats, nights have grown quiet in the absence of crickets and katydids, and the Hunter’s Moon illuminates the rattling hedgerows and blue carpeted trails by night.
Mornings last week were cold and windy, but Tuesday was still productive. Banders pushed through their delirium and processed 47 birds of 17 species. The showstoppers were two gorgeous After Hatch Year male warblers, stunning even in their dull winter plumage: a Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) and a late Magnolia.

Magnolia Warbler (After Hatch Year male) banded Tuesday. Photo by Blake Goll

Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler (After Hatch Year male) banded Tuesday. Photo by Blake Goll

The Yellow-rumped Warbler is a hardy species that breeds in Pennsylvania and coniferous forests farther north. They can overwinter here in PA or south in the tropics. This common warbler can overwinter farther north than other warblers, owing to its ability to switch its diet from insects to waxy berries like bayberry and even poison ivy.

The rest of Tuesday’s catch was dominated by White-throated Sparrows and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. There were also good numbers of Palm Warblers, Eastern Towhees, and Purple Finches (PUFI). We can’t get enough of the PUFI’s as these erratic migrants are normally absent from our region. It is strange and wonderful to hear their rich, refined warbles raining down from the hedgerows of Rushton. Roger Tory Peterson best described this finch when he called it “a sparrow dipped in raspberry juice.”

Palm Warbler banded Tuesday. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Eastern Towhee (females) banded Tuesday. The one on the left is a Hatch Year and the one on the right is an After Hatch Year (notice the deeper red eye color?) Also notice the nictitating membrane (translucent third eyelid) half closed on the Hatch Year! Photo by Blake Goll

Northern Cardinal (female) banded Tuesday. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Male Northern Cardinal banded on Tuesday. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

Banders aging an American Goldfinch on Tuesday. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

An international class from Saint Joseph’s University visited us on Tuesday, including students from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Brazil, China, and Japan. They were captivated by these tiny birds and how we are trying to contribute to their conservation by studying their populations and movements across the landscape. We always enjoy hosting these students from around the world for their positive attitudes, genuine concern for these creatures, and unmatched enthusiasm.

Holly Garrod showing a Ruby-crowned Kinglet to St. Joseph’s University students. Photo by Blake Goll

St. Joseph’s University international student releasing a Song Sparrow on Tuesday. Photo by Blake Goll

St. Joseph’s University international student learning about a Field Sparrow before release. Photo by Blake Goll

Field Sparrow banded Tuesday. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

St. Joseph’s University international student releasing a White-throated Sparrow on Tuesday. Photo by Blake Goll

Thursday was a slower day with just 37 birds. Warblers were absent from the catch and replaced by netfuls of spunky Golden-crowned Kinglets. The procession of sparrows continued, and a nice batch of Hermit Thrushes came in. This week, we expect Dark-eyed Juncos and the notorious Fox Sparrow.