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Using Motus and Rushton to Study the Wood Thrush

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The flutelike song of the wood thrush is emblematic of summer mornings at Rushton Woods Preserve. Unfortunately, both the wood thrush population and places like Rushton, with over 50 acres of deciduous forest, are rapidly disappearing. The loss is so dramatic that wood thrush are one of eight species of conservation concern identified for study by a recent Competitive State Wildlife Grant awarded to the Willistown Conservation Trust. 

One of our nanotagged Wood Thrush caught on September 17th. Photo by Blake Goll

Under the direction of Lisa Kiziuk, the Trust’s Director of Bird Conservation, University of Pennsylvania graduate student Amanda Bebel is conducting research on wood thrush as her capstone project. Amanda’s work is contributing additional scientific information about the wood thrush’s complete life cycle. The focus of her research is to learn precisely where they go during the breeding season. Since they nest in Rushton Woods Preserve, it is an ideal place to conduct the study. And the newly expanding Motus network, which electronically tracks birds’ movement, is an ideal research tool.

By attaching tiny nanotags (small radio transmitters) to six adults and three juveniles at Rushton Woods Preserve in Willistown and several more at Bucktoe Creek Preserve in Kennett Square, Amanda followed these birds during their breeding cycle with incredible geospatial precision. Throughout the summer, she used a hand-held tracking device to zero in on the birds to their physical location while general detections were consistently picked up by the local Motus automated receiver stations at both Rushton and Bucktoe. As the birds migrate south this fall, the broader Motus network that extends to South America will pick them up.

This work contributes more information to conservationists about how to better protect and manage wood thrush habitat. Pennsylvania plays a critical role in the conservation of the wood thrush as it supports a significant portion (approximately 8.5%) of the entire nesting population of the species.

What type of plants do they need for survival? How far do they go after they fledge? How much contiguous forest do they need? Where do they stop to rest and refuel on their migration path? We hope to learn more about these questions when Amanda completes her research in spring 2020. Stay tuned!

Shocking Report Illustrates the Importance of Land Protection

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Yesterday an alarming study in the journal Science was released, which detailed the dramatic and shocking decline of birds in North America. Three billion birds have been lost in the last 50 years. This staggering drop includes not only threatened species, but also common ones like Eastern Meadowlark, Wood Thrush, Barn Swallow, Blue Jay and even Baltimore Oriole (like the one pictured here, banded this year at Rushton Woods Preserve).

For every 10 Baltimore Orioles in 1970,
4 have been lost since.

Meadowlarks rely on healthy grasslands for habitat, which have been disappearing as human development and agriculture spreads across the land. Making matters worse without those grasslands, which are also needed to filter stormwater runoff, waterways that birds also rely on are being contaminated.

For 40 years, Willistown Conservation Trust has been permanently protecting land to advance conservation, including the preservation of vital habitat. Our Bird Conservation Program has been using this land to help study birds and promote their protection, operating a banding station, studying their health. Most recently, the Bird Conservation Program and their partners have been among the leaders  in expanding the Motus Wildlife Tracking System throughout the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast United States. The Willistown Area has even been designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society because of its habitat and biodiversity.

We will continue our fight to protect land and habitat that birds need to survive. And despite the frightening report, there are some things you can do to help. Here are a few simple actions you can take:

  • Keep cats indoors. It is estimated that domestic cats kill millions of birds every year.
  • Lobby your representatives in Washington, DC, to support the Migratory Bird Protection Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act and other legislation that protects the environment.
  • Reduce (or better still eliminate) the use of pesticides (particularly neonicotinoids) and herbicides on your property.
  • Create habitat for birds in your own yard by maintaining shrub scrub, planting native plants, and providing water sources.
  • Participate in citizen science efforts to document bird populations.
  • Provide financial support to organizations that support bird conservation, like Willistown Conservation Trust.

While we are disheartened by the findings of this report, Willistown Conservation Trust is more motivated than ever before to continue our work to protect the land and the birds that rely on it.

We (and the birds) thank you for your continued support!

Getting the Band Back Together

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Fall migration is just around the corner. And that means the banding station at Rushton Woods Preserve will be back in operation.

Bird banding is an important and powerful scientific tool in bird conservation. Understanding our reasons for banding and being able to relate those reasons to the public, along with proper training and the maintenance of high scientific standards is necessary for the success of our banding/outreach program.

Elementary school students observe banding at Rushton Woods Preserve

Rushton Woods Preserve (RWPR) lies within an Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA), offering a great opportunity for banding and allowing us to study the seasonal and long term population patterns and species diversity of migratory and breeding birds. The RWPR banding project contributes to continent-wide monitoring efforts and exemplifies the benefits of low-impact land management practices on bird populations. The RWPR station also allows us to train committed volunteers in the basics of bird banding and creates a setting for responsible nature education and conservation outreach.

In 1595, one of Henry IV’s banded Peregrine Falcons was lost in pursuit of a bustard in France. The falcon showed up 24 hours later in Malta, 1,350 miles away; thanks to banding, they were able to calculate that the falcon averaged a speed of 56 miles per hour. Duke Ferdinand placed a silver band on a Grey Heron around 1669 and the bird was then recovered by his grandson in about 1728, indicating that the heron had lived at least 60 years. In 1803, John James Audubon tied silver cord to the legs of a brood of Eastern Phoebes near Philadelphia and was reportedly able to identify two of the nestlings when they returned to the neighborhood the following year.

These centuries-old records are not only amazing, but gave inspiration to naturalists and scientists interested in understanding the mystery of migration. Today, bird banding is helping to answer questions not only about migration and longevity, but also site productivity, dispersal of young, metapopulations , site fidelity, survivorship, behavior, ecotoxicology and many other population ecology questions important to bird conservation and management around the world. In North America, banding is overseen by the US Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory (within the Department of the Interior) and the Canadian Wildlife Service. These offices issue federal permits, distribute bands, and compile all the data collected from bird banding. All of the data collected at the RWPR is sent here and is made available to researchers and other banders. Learn more at https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/homepage/history.htm.

If you would like to observe the banding process and learn about the science, banding activities at the Rushton Woods Preserve banding station are open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays. See our events calendar for dates, time, and other details.

For the Love of Birds

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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

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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

Yellow-rumped 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.

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

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.”

Purple Finch. Photo by Celeste Sheehan

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.

Golden-crowned Kinglet banded Thursday. Photo by Blake Goll

November 1st will be our last songbird banding day of 2018.  Weather permitting, we’ll be banding this Tuesday and Thursday from 6:45 am- 11 am.
There’s a lot going on in the woods,
Blake

White-throated Sparrow banded Thursday. Photo by Blake Goll