Bird banding seasonal summaries

Summaries are for the migration seasons only...we do band some birds outside the dates shown. You can also view a list of banding totals since 1992.

Fall 2009

• 17 Aug to 8 Nov (57 days)
• Average 4.5 hours per day with average 16.5 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 1169 new birds, 158 recaps, 1484 birds netted -- capture rate of 37.6 birds per 100 net-hours
• 63 species, plus 3 released unbanded (Ruby-throated Hummingbird [50], European Starling, House Sparrow)
• Most numerous species (does not include recaptures):
• American Robin -- 391 (record high)
• American Goldfinch -- 84
• Gray Catbird -- 76 (record low)
• Song Sparrow -- 53
• Dark-eyed Junco -- 39
• Nashville Warbler -- 35
• Northern Cardinal -- 31
• Hermit Thrush -- 27
• White-throated Sparrow -- 27 (record low)
• Swainson's Thrush -- 24
  

More details on fall 2009

Spring 2009 - Only minimal banding done, but daily surveys were conducted. A summary of spring 2008 surveys can be found here.

Fall 2008

• 19Aug to 5 Nov (48 days)
• Average 4.8 hours per day with average 15.5 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 842 new birds, 223 recaps, 1140 birds netted -- capture rate of 33.4 birds per 100 net-hours
• 62 species, plus 1 released unbanded (Ruby-throated Hummingbird)
• Most numerous species (does not include recaptures):
• American Robin -- 110
• Gray Catbird -- 109
• White-throated Sparrow -- 67
• Hermit Thrush -- 64
• Song Sparrow  -- 44

More details on fall 2008

Spring 2008 - Only minimal banding done. Totals can be seen in the spring table here, and a summary of spring 2008 surveys can be found here.

Fall 2007

• 21 Aug to 3 Nov (43 days)
• Average 4.75 hours per day with average 16.5 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 1230 new birds, 163 recaps, 1499 birds netted -- capture rate of 46.7 birds per 100 net-hours
• 66 species, plus 3 released unbanded (Ruby-throated Hummingbird, House Sparrow, European Starling)
• Most numerous species (does not include recaptures):
• American Goldfinch -- 283
• American Robin -- 215
• Gray Catbird -- 104 
• Nashville Warbler  -- 44
• Song Sparrow -- 43

More details on fall 2007

Spring 2007

• 20 Apr to 29 May (19 days)
• Average 4.2 hours per day with average 17 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 373 new birds, 72 recaps, 473 birds netted -- capture rate of 34.3 birds per 100 net-hours
• 56 species, plus 2 released unbanded (Ruby-throated Hummingbird, European Starling)
• Most numerous species (does not include recaptures):
• American Goldfinch -- 39
• White-crowned Sparrow -- 35
• Gray Catbird -- 34 
• White-throated Sparrow -- 30
• Nashville Warbler -- 19
• Lincoln's Sparrow -- 15

Fall 2006

• 15 Aug to 5 Nov (44 days)
• Average 4.4 hours per day with average 16 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 1231 new birds, 262 recaps, 1597 birds netted -- capture rate of 55.1 birds per 100 net-hours
• 73 species, plus 3 released unbanded (Ruby-throated Hummingbird, House Sparrow, European Starling)
• Most numerous species (does not include recaptures):
• Gray Catbird -- 148 
• American Robin -- 138
• Magnolia Warbler -- 63 (new record)
• Nashville Warbler -- 59 (new record)
• Song Sparrow -- 50
• White-throated Sparrow -- 49

More details on Fall 2006

Spring 2006

• 17 Apr to 29 May (24 days)
• Average 4.5 hours per day with average 17 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 385 new birds, 59 recaps, 461 birds netted -- capture rate of 25.8 birds per 100 net-hours
• 52 species, plus 1 released unbanded (Ruby-throated Hummingbird)
• Most numerous species (does not include recaptures):
• White-crowned Sparrow -- 54 (new record)
• White-throated Sparrow -- 36
• American Goldfinch -- 24
• Ruby-crowned Kinglet -- 22 (new record)
• Gray Catbird -- 22
• Swamp Sparrow -- 19

More details on Spring 2006

Fall 2005

• 17 Aug to 5 Nov (51 days)
• Average 4.2 hours per day with average 17 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 1626 new birds, 278 recaps, 1959 birds netted -- capture rate of 55.9 birds per 100 net-hours
• 69 species, plus 3 released unbanded (Ruby-throated Hummingbird, European Starling,  House Sparrow)
• Most numerous species (does not include recaptures):
• American Robin -- 353 (new record)
• American Goldfinch -- 247 (new record)
• Gray Catbird -- 155
• White-throated Sparrow -- 113
• Song Sparrow -- 57

More details on Fall 2005

Spring 2005

• 15 Apr to 29 May (26 days)
• Average 4.6 hours per day with average 17 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 366 new birds, 70 recaps, 462 birds netted -- capture rate of 23 birds per 100 net-hours (second lowest capture rate)
• 58 species, plus 2 released unbanded (Ruby-throated Hummingbird, House Sparrow)
• Two new species!  Grasshopper Sparrow and Northern Mockingbird
• Most numerous species (does not include recaptures):
• White-throated Sparrow -- 35
• Gray Catbird -- 30
• American Goldfinch -- 24
• White-crowned Sparrow -- 18
• Nashville Warbler -- 17

More details on Spring 2005

Fall 2004

• 16 Aug to 1 Nov (46 days)
• Average 4.6 hours per day with average 16.6 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 1028 new birds, 206 recaps, 1289 birds netted -- capture rate of 32.7 birds per 100 net-hours
• 67 species, plus 3 released unbanded (Ruby-throated Hummingbird, European Starling, House Sparrow)
• Most numerous species (does not include recaptures):
• American Robin -- 142
• Gray Catbird -- 134
• American Goldfinch -- 116
• Magnolia Warbler -- 52
• Song Sparrow -- 46

More details on Fall 2004

Spring 2004

• 15 Apr to 3 Jun (31 days)
• Average 5.4 hours per day with average 18 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 639 new birds, 113 recaps, 788 birds netted; capture rate of 31.3 birds per 100 net-hours
• 64 species, plus 2 released unbanded (Ruby-throated Hummingbird, House Sparrow)
• Most numerous species (does not include recaptures):
• Gray Catbird -- 57
• White-throated Sparrow -- 39
• Lincoln's Sparrow -- 33
• Swamp Sparrow -- 30
• Common Yellowthroat -- 28

More details on Spring 2004

Fall 2003

• 18 August to 8 Nov (53 days)
• Average 5 hours per day with average 18 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 1911 new birds, 515 recaps, 2605 birds netted -- all new highs; capture rate of 57.1 birds per 100 net-hours
• 74 species including our first "Yellow" Palm Warbler, plus 3 released unbanded (European Starling, Ruby-throated Hummingbird [23 netted], House Sparrow)
• Most numerous species (includes recaptures):
• American Robin -- 369
• Gray Catbird -- 272
• Hermit Thrush -- 227
• American Goldfinch -- 179 

More details on Fall 2003

Spring 2003

• 14 April to 8 Jun (37 days)
• Average 5 hours per day with average 20 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 831 new birds, 179  recaps, 1090 birds netted, 30.0 birds per 100 net-hours
• 67 species, plus 3 released unbanded (European Starling, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, House Sparrow)
• Most numerous species (includes recaptures):
• White-throated Sparrow -- 113
• Gray Catbird -- 109
• American Goldfinch -- 66
• Common Yellowthroat -- 50
• Lincoln's Sparrow -- 46
• Nashville Warbler -- 40
• Swamp Sparrow -- 37
• Wilson's Warbler -- 32
More details

More details on Spring 2003

Fall 2002

• 15 August to 4 November (48 days; 9 days lost to weather)
• Average 4.25 hours per day with average 18 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 910  new birds, 215  recaps, 1199 birds netted, 32.4 birds per 100 net-hours
• 64 species, plus 3 released unbanded (European Starling, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, House Sparrow)
• Most numerous species (includes recaps):
• Gray Catbird -- 158
• American Robin -- 129
• Swainson's Thrush -- 71
• White-throated Sparrow -- 61
• Hermit Thrush -- 55
• American Redstart -- 42
• Song Sparrow -- 42
• Ruby-crowned Kinglet -- 36
• American Goldfinch -- 35
• Yellow-rumped Warbler -- 34

More details on Fall 2002

Spring 2002

• 16 April to 31 May (31 days; 6 days lost to weather)
• Average 5 hours per day with average 20 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 830 new birds, 218  recaps, 1137 birds netted, 36.7 birds per 100 net-hours
• 71 species, plus 3 released unbanded (European Starling, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, House Sparrow)
• Most numerous species (includes recaps):
• Gray Catbird -- 135
• American Goldfinch -- 123
• White-throated Sparrow -- 49
• Black-capped Chickadee -- 47
• Yellow Warbler -- 44
• Red-winged Blackbird -- 44
• Magnolia Warbler -- 38
• Nashville Warbler -- 37

More details on Spring 2002

Fall 2001

• 15 August to 4 November (47 days)
• Average 4.4 hours per day with average 20 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 1763 new birds, 451  recaps, 2424 birds netted, 58.3 birds per 100 net-hours
• 70 species, plus 3 released unbanded (European Starling, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, House Sparrow)
• Most numerous species:
• American Robin -- 320
• Yellow-rumped Warbler -- 241
• Gray Catbird -- 170
• Swainson's Thrush -- 99
• American Goldfinch -- 75

More details on Fall 2001

Spring 2001

• 19 April to 30 May (26 days)
• Average 4.25 hours per day with average 17 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 510 new birds, 106  recaps, 668 birds netted, 36.0 birds per 100 net-hours
• 58 species, plus 3 released unbanded (European Starling, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, House Sparrow)
• Most numerous species:
• Gray Catbird -- 80
• American Goldfinch -- 57
• Nashville Warbler and Red-winged Blackbird -- 29 each
• White-crowned Sparrow -- 27
• Yellow Warbler -- 25

More details on Spring 2001

Fall 2000

• 14 August to 1 November (51 days)
• Average 3.8 hours per day with average 17.5 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 1526 new birds, 294  recaps, 1961 birds netted, 57.3 birds per 100 net-hours
• 76 species, plus 3 released unbanded (European Starling, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, House Sparrow)
• Most numerous species:
• American Robin -- 199
• Gray Catbird -- 167
• American Goldfinch -- 134
• White-crowned Sparrow -- 110
• Swainson's Thrush -- 90

More details on Fall 2000

            Spring 2000

• 18 April to 39 May (28 days -- 6 whole and 5 partial days lost to rain!)
• Average 4.2 hours per day with average 16.5 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 589 new birds, 112 recaps, 760 birds netted, 38.8 birds per 100 net-hours
• 61 species, plus 2 released unbanded (European Starling, Ruby-throated Hummingbird)
• Most numerous species:
• American Goldfinch -- 85
• Gray Catbird -- 73
• White-crowned Sparrow -- 36
• Red-winged Blackbird -- 33
• More details

More details on Spring 2000

Fall 1999
 

• 15 August to 5 November (53 days)
• Average 4 hours per day with 13 to 15 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 1496 new birds, 302 recaps, 1878 birds netted, 57.5 birds per 100 net-hours
• 76 species, plus 3 released unbanded (House Sparrow, European Starling, Ruby-throated Hummingbird
• Most numerous species:
• American Robin -- 271
• Swainson's Thrush -- 147
• Gray Catbird -- 140
• White-throated Sparrow -- 123
• American Goldfinch -- 90
• More details

More details on Fall 1999

Spring 1999

• 15 April to 3 June (30 days)
• Average 4.7 hours per day with 13 to 15 nets (12 meter equivalent)
• 685 new birds, 106 recaps, 827 birds netted, 43.8 birds per 100 net-hours
• 66 species, plus 3 released unbanded (House Sparrow, European Starling, Ruby-throated Hummingbird).
• Highlights were possible first state record Western Wood-Pewee, new species Common Redpoll, Pine Siskin, and Marsh Wren
• Most numerous species:
• Gray Catbird -- 96
• Yellow-rumped Warbler -- 92
• American Goldfinch -- 40
• Red-winged Blackbird -- 37
• Swainson's Thrush -- 27
•    More details

   More details on Spring 1999

Fall 1998

• 17 August to 1 November (59 days)
• 1344 new birds, 1709 birds netted, 52.8 birds per 100 net-hours, our best season ever!
• 66 species, including Rusty Blackbird (a new species and our 10,00th bird), Cape May Warbler, two Winter Wrens
• Most numerous species:
• Swainson's Thrush -- 174
• White-throated Sparrow -- 150
• Gray Catbird -- 133 (plus 110 recaptured)
• American Robin -- 111
• Hermit Thrush -- 101
• More details

More details on Fall 1998

Spring 1998

• 15 April to 29 May (28 days)
• 276 new birds, 391 birds netted, 27.0 birds per 100 net-hours, second slowest spring
• 55 species, including White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat, Golden-winged Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler
• Most numerous species: Gray Catbird 40, American Goldfinch 33, Red-winged Blackbird 19, Swamp Sparrow 14, and Song Sparrow 14.  Birds that always make into this list (Swainson's Thrush, White-throated Sparrow, American Redstart, Yellow-rumped Warbler) were banded in lower than usual numbers.  (Compare our 176 yellow-rumps last year to this year's 4!)
• There were 17 returns from previous years, including a Wood Thrush from 1995, a Red-eyed Vireo from 1996, and 11 Gray Catbirds

Fall 1997

• 15 August to 30 October (51 days)
• 757 new birds, 974 birds netted, 41.0 birds per 100 net-hours, down from previous 5-year mean of 56 per 100 net-hours!
• 60 species
• Most numerous species: Gray Catbird (111, over 50% of which were recaptured), American Robin (97), Song Sparrow (58), Swainson's Thrush (56), White-throated Sparrow (49), Hermit Thrush (48), American Goldfinch (38), Magnolia Warbler (35), and Yellow-rumped Warbler (31).
• Common Nighthawk was a new species

Spring 1997

• 15 April to 4 June (31 days)
• 788 new birds (topping our previous spring high of 575!), 920 birds netted, a whopping 91.5 birds per 100 net-hours! The majority were captured by the lake in 5 short nets...where our capture rate was 324 per 100 net-hours.  No wonder I'm still tired.
• 66 species
• Most numerous species: Yellow-rumped Warbler (174), Palm Warbler (48), Yellow Warbler (40), Gray Catbird (34), Magnolia Warbler and White-throated Sparrow (33 each).
• Needless to say, our most spectacular spring yet.  Busiest morning was 16 May, when we netted 130 birds.  Over 72% of all the birds were banded in 11 mornings between 9 and 23 May.
• Now available:  A list of all the birds banded

Fall 1996

• 15 August to 28 October (44 days, lots of lousy weather, again!)
• 739 new birds, 119 returns, 63 birds/100 net-hours
• 58 species
• This was our worst fall on record, with totals down about 30%. This situation was experienced by other regional banding stations as well. Our most interesting bird was a Nashville Warbler first captured in August that was recaptured in September and October.

Spring 1996

• 15 April to 30 May (27 days, lots of lousy weather)
• 527 new birds, 99 returns, 60.9 birds/100 net-hours
• 69 species
• Highlights: Nothing very rare, but many bird typical of tree-tops down to net level...Solitary and Yellow-throated Vireos, Scarlet Tanagers, Black-throated Green Warblers, etc.

Fall 1995

• 14 August to 2 November (53 days)
• 1165 new birds, 225 returns, 59 birds/100 net-hours
• 73 species
• Highlights: 3 Red-breasted Nuthatches, 9 Philadelphia Vireos, Solitary Vireo, 102 Swainson's Thrushes, 7 Black-throated Blue Warblers

Spring 1995

• 14 April to 2 June (35 days)
• 554 new birds, 104 returns, 34 birds/100 net-hours
• 70 species
• Highlights: Black-billed Cuckoo, a Hairy Woodpecker banded here 13 years ago!, three Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Hooded Warbler, Summer Tanager, and 13 Northern Waterthrush and 23 Swamp Sparrows (it was damp)

Fall 1994

• 15 August to 28 October (61 days)
• 1082 new birds, 229 returns, 57.3 birds/100 net-hours
• 73 species
• Highlights: American Woodcock, three Sharp-shinned Hawks, four Carolina Wrens, Blue-winged Warbler, Northern Parula (rare in fall), Indigo Bunting (rare in fall)

Spring 1994

• 14 April to 31 May (30 days)
• 232 new birds, 46 returns, 24.7 birds/100 net-hours
• 47 species
• Highlights: "Brewster's" Warbler, 79 Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers

Fall 1993

• 4 August to 3 November (59 days)
• 999 new birds, 385 returns, 48.1 birds/100 net-hours
• 74 species
• Highlights: "Brewster's" Warbler, "Lawrence's" Warbler, Clay-colored Sparrow

Spring 1993

• 15 April to 4 June (34 days)
• 575 new birds, 133 returns, 21.3 birds/100 net-hours
• 63 species
• Highlight: Michigan's first state record Virginia's Warbler (13 May)

Fall 1992

• 12 August to 6 November (36 days)
• 948 new birds, 164 returns, 50.4 birds/100 net-hours
• 65 species
• Highlights: Black-billed Cuckoo (22 Sep), Golden-winged Warbler (2 Sep), two White-eyed Vireos (27 Aug and 18 Sep)

Please note:  All data is provisional and not to be cited without permission.

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