Sunday, September 09, 2018

Northern Parula (Paruline à collier) at SpruceHaven

08 September 2018

     Fall seemed to have arrived overnight and it was cool when Ross, Heather, Judy and I assembled to band some migrant birds. There was a little wind but in the sheltered areas where we locate our nets it was calm, and when the sun came out, even though the temperature never got much above 17°, it was quite pleasant.
     The prize catch of the day was our very first Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) at SpruceHaven, and I mean ever observed let alone caught in the mist nets. 


     This truly beautiful little bird was a rare treat indeed. 
     It breeds in the northern boreal forest with extensive lichen for nest construction and winters primarily in the Caribbean. In fact we have seen this species on each of our three visits to Cuba, where it is common. Small numbers remain on the mainland as far south as Nicaragua and Costa Rica.



     We wish our bird safe passage to wherever it is headed.
     Magnolia Warblers (Setophaga magnolia) are also still moving through and we caught three of them. This is a familiar species but we all still marvel at the sheer beauty of this tiny bird flying all the way to Central America.



     All the neotropical warblers have distinctive undertail patterns and can be identified by that character alone. This is very helpful since the bird is often observed high in the treetops and the underparts are more visible than the upperparts.


     Zonotrichia sparrows are to be expected as we advance towards mid September and we caught our first White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) of the fall.



     House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) is a fairly common local species, but surprisingly it is captured infrequently. Today we trapped two of them in the same net.


     This bird is a specialist seed eater and has a large powerful bill.


     A momentary lapse of attention caused Heather a little pain as the bird grabbed onto the the skin between her fingers. All in a day's work I suppose!
     This note is primarily for Phil Slade - Judy brought delicious cinnamon buns she made the night before. I ate two!
     We had planned to band again this morning but it was a mere 9° at 06h:00 with strong, gusty winds - unsuitable conditions for banding. Keep your fingers crossed along with us for propitious weather next weekend and we'll have more to report.

All species banded 08 September: House Finch (2), American Goldfinch (11), Tennessee Warbler (1), Magnolia Warbler (3), Northern Parula (1), White-throated Sparrow (1). Total:  19 individuals of 6 species.
Retraps: Grey Catbird (1), American Goldfinch (1), Common Yellowthroat (1). Total: 3 individuals of 3 species.
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

42 comments:

  1. Fantastic photos David - and really helpful descriptions ... love seeing your photos and the information attached to each bird or sighting. The sparrow's colouration is unbelievable ... so pretty ... as of course are all the others. That beak - gorgeous ... thank you once again - and good luck next weekend. We're very wet here - I'm sure no-one minds. Cheers Hilary

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  2. Amigo David preciosa captura la del Setophaga americana y la Magnolia son unos pajarillos con una coloración preciosa. Ese pinzón común tiene un grueso y al parecer fuerte pico. Os deseo como bien dices y cruzo los dedos para que la próxima semana amaine ese viento y consigáis buenas capturas.
    Un fuerte abrazo de tu amigo Juan.

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  3. Hello David!
    Wonderful pictures and great close ups of those beautiful birds!
    The Swallows birds are headed to warm countries !
    Waiting for Autumn birds to arrive here too!
    Have a lovely new week!
    Dimi...

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  4. Even after several decades of knowing that such tiny birds migrate such huge distances I still find it unbelievable! Fascinating reading.

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  5. Pretty little birds, several very similar to species in my area, same genus. Capturing them not only allows banding but also can be appreciated in detail and see their characteristics. Very good photos

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  6. Hi David,
    Gordeous little birds! What a beauties.
    Very beautiful and interesting photo report!
    Best regards, Maria

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  7. I always admire the work that all of you do to tend to these birds. They are so small and precious.

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  8. such beautiful birds and spectacular images. the northern parula, what a cutie...congrats on capturing it!!!

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  9. Oh my. Oh my, oh my, oh my.
    Thank you so much. I loved the photos of yet more feathered enchantment. Thank you (and the whole team) for all that you do.

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  10. You banded some cool birds. The Northern Parula looked very familiar to me, and then you mentioned Costa Rica which is where I had seen them. You had a good day I'd say.

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  11. The Parula is a beautiful bird; I hope banding it provides lots of good information and I hope you hear about it. Ouch for your fellow team member on the bird bite -- the sacrifices a true citizen-scientist makes!

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  12. Beautiful photos and birds, David. They looks always so cute when they are hold in a hand.

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  13. Your photos are pretty amazing David. I liked Northern Parula it's really attractive little bird. It's a pity this bird doesn't live in Northern Europe.

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  14. Hi David.

    A beautifully colored bird.
    So beautiful that birds travel such a great distance to other areas.

    Groettie from Patricia.

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  15. Such a joy to visit your blog today and have the privilege to see those amazing photos.

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  16. Hello, wonderful closeups. The Northern Parula is beautiful. The White-throated Sparrows may show up in my yard this winter. Happy Monday, enjoy your day and new week ahead!

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  17. Hi David,
    You have been quite succesful with banding birds and with the variety of different species.It must have been quite an experience to see the birds so well. Hopefully the banding brings the necessary information about the behaviour of the birds.
    Greetings, Kees

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  18. Jag känner alltid ett visst vemod när flyttfåglarna lämnar oss. Dels är det att livet här på landet blir fattigare utan det trevliga sällskap som fåglarna utgör men mina tankar går också till den långa och farliga resa som de tvingas genomföra. Ett av naturens många underverk.

    Ja, jag är en sentimental djurvän som värnar om individen.

    Dina bilder är mycket bra David, skarpa med framträdande detaljer, sista bilden är superbra!

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  19. Hooray for animal lovers I say, Gunilla.

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  20. Hi David
    Love your photos, they are scrumptious, good one to see Northern Parula, fabulous.

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  21. I'm somewhat smitten by that Northern Parula, David - a delightful little bird! I can see why a House Finch might be able to cause considerable pain - Poor Heather!

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  22. What beautiful close ups of the little birds, they sure are pretty to see.

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  23. A Parula is a real prize. Nice pics too. I can't believe you ate two cinnamon buns. Did you lose your appetite David?

    We didn't get out. Too wet and windy. The story of my life. Off to Greece Wednesday. See you in two weeks.

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    1. Smart ass! Before you return from Greece we will be in Australia.

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  24. Beautiful shots and rather amazing how resigned the birds seem at being captured by their legs.

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  25. Congratulations on netting some unique birds this round! Enjoyed all the pictures.

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  26. Hola David. Preciosas aves y preciosas fotos. Gran trabajo. Enhorabuena. Besos para todos/as.

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  27. The birds are really beautiful with their colourful feathers.

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  28. An interesting read and lovely photos David and well done on netting the Northern Parula - such a beautiful little bird.

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  29. Fascinating post! We had a flurry of Northern Parulas about two weeks ago here in central Florida (along with gangs of American Redstarts) and expect to see many more in the coming weeks. They breed here but the migrating groups sure makes it colorful in the woods for awhile!

    Happy to find your blog. It's the direct fault of those intrepid birders from across the pond, Phil Slade and Richard Pegler. So blame them if I get out of hand ……

    Cinnamon buns??!!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by my blog, Wally. It is great to hear from you. Are cinnamon buns not an essential part of every bird bander’s equipment? I checked out your blog and it looks impressive. However, it looks like you are not blogging any more. Let me know if I am wrong and I will be anxious to follow it.

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    2. Cinnamon buns and freshly roasted coffee are an essential part of my equipment no matter the pursuit!

      Yes, I'm still blogging albeit I have been a lazy blogger lately. Would rather be afield! I shall endeavor to get back to some sort of schedule. Soon. Any day now. Honest.

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  30. both lovely birds but the Parola is so sweet. :) Congrats to it´s visit :)

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  31. Hi David,
    Another successful banding session and wonderful images for us to see of the Northern Parulas, what a beauty.
    Glad to see you managed two Cinnamon Buns, with the weather turning colder they should be compulsory.
    All the best to you both, John

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  32. how in the world do you catch these little sweethearts?
    Sweet to see each one.

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  33. The Parula is a beauty such a tiny bird and such perfection!

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  34. Lovely photographs here, the Northern Parula is so colourful.

    All the best Jan

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  35. I discover so many birds, I'm delighted with David !

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  36. Beautiful birds David. I always worry about that bite. Some are harder than others!

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