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Rouge River Bird Observatory Guide to locations |
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Rouge River Bird Observatory Guide to locations |
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May:
26 May: Two Connecticut Warblers were banded today. A Northern Bobwhite was found calling around the Interpretive Center, the first in many years. A Prothonotary Warbler and Orchard Oriole were also observed today.25 May: Another Blue-winged Warbler was banded today, along with a Black-billed Cuckoo.
22 May: Quite quiet today. The Olive-sided Flycatcher was near the Organic Garden, and a female Golden-winged Warbler was also found. The Northern Mockingbird was in the viburnums by the Fairlane Estate parking lot. We banded the first fledgling American Robin of the season.
21 May: Although our first Common Nighthawk sighting was on May 16, yesterday several were seen. A Least Sandpiper was in the mud at the end of Fairlane Lake. The Olive-sided Flycatcher was seen once near the lake, and again later on the north end of campus.
19 May: The Olive-sided Flycatcher was relocated today in the Rose Garden. A Cerulean Warbler was singing high in the canopy in the swamp. Overall, it was quieter today.
18 May: Despite the cold, breezy day, 88 species (22 warblers) were recorded by participants in our International Migratory Bird Week event. Best bird of the day was an Olive-sided Flycatcher near the Ford Estate -- one of the eight species of flycatchers that were low and easy to find in almost any area. A Summer Tanager was found in the Rose Garden, and at least 11 Scarlet Tanagers were counted, many also low to the ground. One tree had three Blackburnian Warblers, four Cape May Warblers were found, and we banded four Orange-crowned Warblers and counted several more.
17 May: A second-year male Summer Tanager was banded today, along with the season's first Gray-cheeked Thrush and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.
16 May: Blackpoll Warblers arrived today, as did a Common Nighthawk. A Red-headed Woodpecker was seen by the EIC feeders, an Osprey flew over, and an Acadian Flycatcher was observed.
15 May: I received a late report of a Clay-colored Sparrow in the Organic Garden 10-11 May, and today we banded what is no doubt the same bird. Many, many birds around. A male Hooded Warbler was singing by the north end of Fairlane Lake. Two Red-breasted Nuthatches were found, and the Northern Mockingbird was again by the brush dump. Three Orange-crowned Warblers were banded today.
11 May: There was a possible sighting of the Mississippi Kite over the Rouge River west of the HFCC tennis courts. New arrivals today were "Traill's" Flycatcher (Willow/Alder), Mourning Warbler, and Northern Parula. A Golden-winged Warbler was reported, a Bobolink was a flyover, and a Solitary Sandpiper was located in the "shorebird habitat" behind the Fairlane Estate parking lot. A Prairie Warbler was observed in a west Dearborn yard, along with two lingering Red-breasted Nuthatches.
Banding totals for 1-10 May (8 days): 234 birds plus 46 recaps. 46 species; highlights "Brewster's" Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Purple Finch. 10 May: The Mississippi Kite was seen at 1 PM over Fairlane Lake by Rick Simek and the field biology class. A couple hours later, it was seen near the tennis courts of Henry Ford Community College by Brad Murphy. Our first Northern Parula was finally seen.
9 May: A Mississippi Kite was reported being chased by crows at Evergreen and Fairlane Drive yesterday. This is our second record, the first being one seen by 2 June 1981 at Greenfield Village by Jim Fowler, Jr. Pine Siskins are apparently on their way north; two more were seen at a feeder in west Dearborn.
This is worth 8 in the bush! These four male Nashville Warblers were all in the same net. 7 May: A male Orchard Oriole was in the Craves east Dearborn yard today. New arrivals included Eastern Wood-Pewee, Bay-breasted and Blackburnian Warbler. A Pine Siskin was at the EIC feeders, while a Purple Finch was near the waterfall. The Northern Mockingbird was at the brush dump near Evergreen Road once again.
6 May: Quieter today, but new arrivals continue: a beautiful singing Golden-winged Warbler, Indigo Buntings, Scarlet Tanagers, Wilson's Warbler, Eastern Kingbirds, and Red-eyed Vireos. A Purple Finch was banded.
5 May: Many new arrivals today: Prothonotary, Black-throated Blue, Canada, Cape May, and Magnolia Warblers, American Redstart, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Black-billed Cuckoo, Least Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Veery, Swainson's Thrush. We also banded a male "Brewster's" Warbler, (click the name to view some pictures) the more common hybrid of Blue-winged x Golden-winged Warbler, as well as a Blue-winged Warbler.
3 May: Northern Waterthrush and Great Crested Flycatcher were new migrants today. An American Coot was on the lake today.
1 May: Today we banded our first Lincoln's Sparrow. White-crowned Sparrows and Hermit Thrushes were around today in greater numbers.
Archived sightings
