Migrating Birds

Bird migration is under way and every year, during the month of September, there is a group of biologists, ornithologists, bird enthusiasts... who spend the month capturing, banding, collecting data and then releasing the birds. At a little over 5,000 feet in elevation, Whigg meadow has a fabulous view of the valley and surrounding hills and mountains. It is a stopping point for many birds partly due to its berry thickets (blackberries, blueberries, and other types of berries).

We arrived at the meadow in the evening in time to set up our tents, eat supper and do a little exploring before sunset. Grasshoppers jumped out from under our feet, flocks of cedar waxwings flew overhead, mice scurried through the grass, crickets chirped their end of summer songs, and the wind gently brushed the grass. As we wandered around, we occasionally stopped to pick and eat a few of the tiny but delicious blueberries. Finally, we meander over to the top of the hill to watch the sun go down.

 

After dark I was enthralled as I gazed up at the Milky Way. "What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?" Ps. 8:4. 

The next morning we excitedly stepped through grass heavy with dew as we made our way over the hill to the bird banding station.

 

I was curious to discover what types of birds we would see. Here are a few of the birds that were banded. 

placing the band on his leg

Checking his flight feathers and identifying it as a 1st year bird

This is a juvenile Black-throated blue warbler (my favorite bird that was caught)

Ovenbird

I believe this was a Black and White warbler

Black and White warbler

Female Black throated blue warbler

Female and male Black throated blue warblers

And some more warblers. 

Each bird was carefully processed before being released. The birds were positively identified (species, age, gender), their wings were measured, they were weighed, their body fat was visually assessed, their flight feather wear was evaluated and they were banded. The people doing the bird banding were incredibly knowledgeable and willing to teach and answer questions. This was my second year going and I enjoyed it even more than the first time I went. I would definitely recommend you check out a local bird banding station if you get the chance.

"Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the dove, the swift and the thrush observe the time of their migration. But my people do not know the requirements of the LORD." Jeremiah 8:7