Appreciating Blue Grosbeaks

There are plenty of birds with shades of blue in their plumage, but one of our all-time favorites is the Blue Grosbeak--two of which we banded "This Week at Hilton Pond."

This big-billed and blue Neotropical migrant is the topic for our current photo essay for the long "week" of 22-31 July 2005 and can be viewed at 22-31 July 2005

As always we include a tally of all birds banded and a list of significant recaptures. There's also a description of our best week so far this year for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds--plus a comment about some interesting American Goldfinches that showed up together in a mist net.

Happy Nature Watching!

BILL

Spined Oak Borer: A REAL Longhorn

We don't know a lot about the life history of the Spined Oak Borer we captured one recent night at Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History, but through the camera's lens we certainly came to appreciate the form and function of this little long-horned beetle.

For a photo essay about this interesting insect with VERY extended antennae, please visit "This Week at Hilton Pond" for 15-21 July 2005

As always we provide a tally of all birds banded, plus a list of significant recaptures. Among the latter were several Ruby-throated Hummingbirds--including two with unusual throat markings. (A mug shot of one is included.)

Happy Nature Watching!

BILL

Downswing in Carolina Wrens

There's been a noticeable decline in Carolina Wrens this year at Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History, and the apparent loss of a nest in an usual location couldn't have helped the local population.

For a peek at this oddly placed wren nest, please view our "This Week at Hilton Pond" photo essay for 8-14 July 2005

As always we include a tally of all birds banded during the period, plus a list of significant recaptures. There's also an update on our limited success with banding Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.

Happy Nature Watching!

BILL

Hummingbirds In New Brunswick, Eh?

The first week in July we were far from Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History, working on faculty for the National Wildlife Federation's Family Summit at St. Andrews-by-the-Sea in New Brunswick, Canada.

While there it was our goal to lead field trips and workshops dealing with Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and to capture and band some of these tiny birds on the northern edge of their breeding grounds.

To see how we did--and to view some natural sights of New Brunswick--please visit our photo essay for 1-7 July 2005

Happy Nature Watching!

BILL