21 September 2019
When Kevin and I met dark and early at SpruceHaven on Saturday morning, we were pretty sure that our nets would not produce much, with overnight conditions perfect for passerine migration, and little reason for birds to hunker down overnight. And (remarkably!) we were right.
Very noteworthy, however, was a Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus), a species seldom observed, and one which we are fortunate to trap in migration in the fall, but in very small numbers, frequently just a single bird. This individual was in an advanced stage of moult.
The other species of note, a common species mind you, was a Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), the first ever caught in our nets. This is probably a resident bird and we will keep our eyes open for a bird with a band on its leg at the feeders in the winter.
All species banded 21 September: Black-billed Cuckoo (1), Black-capped Chickadee (2), Red-breasted Nuthatch (1), Song Sparrow (5), Common Yellowthroat (1). Total: 10 individuals of 5 species.
Recently, I came across a quote attributed to the great sculptor, Henry Moore. He said, "The secret of life is to have a task, something you devote your entire life to, something you bring everything to, every minute of the day for your whole life. And the most important thing is - it must be something you cannot possibly do."
My thoughts immediately turned to that inspirational young Swedish girl, Greta Thunberg, barely more than a child and not quite a woman, who has inspired the world, with her message of environmentalism, and her challenge to the established order.
There are those cynics who dismiss her, politicians who display nothing but their short-sighted ignorance, sarcasm and boorishness, those who choose to ignore science and do harm, but the world has embraced, and will continue to embrace, this dynamic, thoughtful, committed, passionate young advocate, who works tirelessly for all of us.
You were a great sculptor Henry Moore, but in one fundamental way you were wrong. Greta will get it done.
