Well, these posts are few and far between because I am super busy. However, this afternoon got rained out so here I am. One of these days I upload some pictures, but not today. So far I have banded 29 gwcas, including 1 female. After 1 month of surveys, we are hovering between 40-50% return rate at most of our plots - very cool! We have even resighted 1 of 3 females banded in 2009 and she is the almost the same territory as last year. Absolutely amazing!
I have only found 6 nests thus far - the nest finding is slow going so far. I have found nests for every female I have seen with material except one yesterday who collected a bit of spider web and disappeared. I was not able to relocate her or her mate so I gave up. So good indication of just how late and slow this field season is progessing regarding the ladies. Another indication, not only do we continue to document new young males arriving each day, I resighted a 09 banded bird on Monday's survey for the first time - so even the older guys are just making it back. So lots of nest building is yet to come in what is shaping up to be a very odd year.
On Tues, I observed my first incubating female and this morning, successfully positioned a camera just above her nest. Mama accepted immediately and was eager to hop on her nest (4 eggs) as soon as I left. I was able to get a beautiful overhead shot so it will be good footage. I also took a short video with my still camera of a female building a nest a few days ago. It captures the 'wiggle dance' and she flies right past me as she leaves the nest. I will one day post that as well!
That's all folks!
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