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THIS WEEK at HILTON POND
1-7 July 2002

BIRDS OF THE WEEK

Due to installation of a new computer network, operating system, and software, we're a tad behind in posting new editions of "This Week at Hilton Pond." The inevitable glitches occurred and the learning curve has been a bit steep, but soon we'll be back in the groove and humming along merrily with the fancy new set-up.

During the changeover we HAVE been banding birds, however, so we thought we'd post a few close-ups and "mug shots" of species captured during the week of 1-7 July 2002, all of which breed at Hilton Pond Center.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, male

All text & photos © Hilton Pond Center

BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER
The adult male Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (above) has a prominent black eyebrow that is absent in females and juveniles. A gnatcatcher nest, adorned with lichens, resembles that of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, but it is much taller and larger in diameter.

NORTHERN CARDINAL
Adult male Northern Cardinals are famous for their brilliant red coloration, and even adult females typically have extensive reddish or orange-ish color. Young birds, however, are nearly gray, with only a hint of the crimson hues that will appear in their post-juvenal molt. Recent fledglings (right) often have an unruly crest, and the gape (corner of the mouth) is soft and yellowish.
 Northern Cardinal, recent fledgling
Downy Woodpecker, recent fledgling

DOWNY WOODPECKER
Young Downy Woodpeckers also don't look like adults of the species, either, but the differences are more subtle than in Northern Cardinals. Adult female downies have no red color at all, and in adult males the red is restricted to the nape of the neck. Nestlings and recent fledglings (left) have red on TOP of their heads, perhaps to serve as a "target" that helps their parents keep track of them in the semi-darkness of the nesting cavity.

 

Indigo Bunting, adult male

INDIGO BUNTING
An adult male Indigo Bunting (above) shows shades of blue that are nearly indescribable, even with a color chart. The blue sheen of the darker head blends into a lighter hue on the wings and back, while the tail and wing feathers are black with blue edging. Young birds have nondescript light brown plumage, as do adult females that may show an occasional blue cast to various feathers. The two-tone bill--black above and bone-colored below--is prominent in both sexes.

 

Black-and-white Warbler, female

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER
The name "Black-and-white Warbler" says it all for this species, which is sometimes confused with woodpeckers because of its color and habit of gleaning insects from bark. It has large feet for a warbler, all the better to hold onto vertical branches and tree trunks. Young birds and females sport a grayish cheek patch that is black in the adult male.

All text & photos © Hilton Pond Center

"HUMMINGBIRD MORNINGS"
In 2002, informative and entertaining hummingbird banding presentations are scheduled for locations in the Carolinas & Virginia.
Click on the image at left for details.

 

If your group would like to host "Hummingbird Mornings" anywhere in the U.S. or Canada in 2002 or later, contact Bill Hilton Jr.
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BIRDS BANDED THIS WEEK at HILTON POND CENTER
1-7 July 2002

 

SPECIES BANDED THIS WEEK
Ruby-throated Hummingbird--2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher--2
Black-and-white Warbler--1
Chipping Sparrow--1
Northern Cardinal--1
Gray Catbird--2
Carolina Wren--2
Downy Woodpecker--1
Indigo Bunting--1
House Finch--1

NOTABLE RECAPTURES
(with original banding dates)
Chipping Sparrow (1)
08/02/01--after 2nd year female
Northern Cardinal (1)
04/25/99--after 4th year female

All photos & text © Hilton Pond Center


WEEKLY BANDING TOTAL
10 species
14 individuals

YEARLY BANDING TOTAL
(2002)
55 species
1,349 individuals

BANDING GRAND TOTAL
(since 28 June 1982)
123 species
41,068 individuals

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Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History is a non-profit research & education organization in York, South Carolina USA; phone (803) 684-5852. Directed by Bill Hilton Jr., aka The Piedmont Naturalist, it is the parent organization for Operation RubyThroat. Contents of this Web site--including articles and photos--may NOT be duplicated, modified, or used in any way except with the express written permission of Hilton Pond Center. All rights reserved worldwide. To obtain permission for use or for further assistance on accessing this Web site, contact the Webmaster.