BSBO Field Research is Returning to Normal

​BSBO breeding bird field work returned to normal in 2021. While the MAPS station was run at Oak Openings in 2020 under strict safety precautions the BSBO station reopened for the first time in two years as water levels returned to lower levels along the lake shore. The summer work did not disappoint as each site held nice surprises and a wealth of information for the long-term datasets. 

Oak Openings completed its 30th year at the Ostrich Lane site and tallied 174 new birds of 31 species and 35 returns from previous years. Over the seven field dates a total of 26.9 new birds/100 net hours were recorded and 36.1 total birds/100 net hours. Highlights included returning Yellow-breasted Chats (2) and captures of Hooded Warbler, White-eyed Vireo, Blue-winged Warbler, Lark Sparrow, and Red-headed Woodpecker. An exceptional return was made by a Field Sparrow that was originally banded in July 2013, representing a minimum age of 8 years this summer.

The BSBO station has been closed due to high water for the past two years so represented almost a new start to field work. This highly productive area nestled in behind the BSBO headquarters building captured 249 new birds of 28 species and 20 returns from previous years. New bird bandings represented 67 new birds/100 net hours and 82.3 total birds/100 net hours in the seven field days. Highlights included Yellow-breasted Chat, American Woodcock, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Eastern Screech-Owl, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and a late migrating Mourning Warbler. A large number of staging American Robins were encountered on the last field day.

Top Species Oak Openings

Gray Catbird - 41
Field Sparrow - 24
House Wren - 18
Song Sparrow - 13
Indigo Bunting - 10
Common Yellowthroat - 9
Black-capped Chickadee - 8
​Tufted Titmouse - 8

Top Species Black Swamp Bird Observatory

Gray Catbird - 66
Yellow Warbler - 64
American Robin - 34
Indigo Bunting - 13
Northern Cardinal - 11
Red-winged Blackbird - 10
Willow Flycatcher - 6
​Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 6