Written by and photos taken by: Delaney Osmond, Avian Field Research and Communications Intern

Sunday, July 3, 2022

Spring Lake Park Reserve

Banded: 50

Re-trap: 4

Seen/Heard: 45

Most Banded Bird of the Day: Baltimore Oriole (BAOR), 12 birds

Banders: Jennifer V, Sonia M, Isabel M, Patti M, Shelley B, Jeanne N, Linda W, Yvonne S, Pam A, Delaney O

Delaney’s prediction from the third banding session summary was correct, the fourth session of MAPS banding at Spring Lake Park Reserve was bustling with babies. 12 of the 54 (22%) birds banded were determined to be hatch-year birds. One of the highlights from this banding session was the abundance of orioles.

The only species added to the probable breeder’s^[1] list this week is Black-capped Chickadee. Species added to the confirmed breeder’s^[2] list are Cedar Waxwing, Gray Catbird, and Wood Thrush. The observations for the Breeding Status sheet this session were completed by Dave Zumeta, Claudia Egelhoff, and Judy Chucker. Thank you so much for your help, your time and efforts are appreciated.

While Pam and Delaney were doing extractions for nets 6, 7, and 8, they happened upon a plant with fun pink and yellow flowers. After using iNaturalist, they learned that the plant was actually Goat’s Rue (Tephrosia virginiana). Goat’s Rue is a native subshrub that can be found in Southeast Minnesota counties and was designated as a State Special Concern species by the Minnesota DNR in 1984.  Because the plant prefers acidic and sandy prairie soils with sparse shading, it is difficult to cultivate for horticultural purposes. It was exciting to learn more about a plant that is semi-rare in Minnesota, with luck, we will see more interesting prairie plants in future sessions.

Thank you for your continued assistance and support.