9/16: the two goodies

Over the last few years, starting in 2004, we have been catching a few Chuck-will's-widows here at Kiptopeke. Between 1994 and 2003, no "chucks" were banded but since that time, six have been banded. And counting the one we caught on the 16th Sept, that would make seven. Chucks are a species that has been expanding their range to the northeast, and in some places, displacing Will-poor-wills. As the forests here at Kiptopeke continue to mature, the habitat is becoming more desirable for Chuck-will's-widows and I think have been one of the reasons behind us catching more of them. They are commonly seen and heard during the first half of the season here. Sometimes all the way into mid-Oct. The one pictured above was a hatch year bird and can be seen by the tan tipping to the tail feathers. Although adult female Chucks have this, their tail feathers would be much more broad. As a side note, these guys have HUGE mouths! Sharks have nothing on them! Something I wish everyone could see!

Below, is the second of our goodies. This very drab bird is actually a much sought after warbler! Can you guess it?? One should note the hooded appearance and the compete eye ring. Another good hint would be that this is a first fall bird. Ideas?? This less that spectacular bird is a Connecticut Warbler! This species is an annual bird here at Kiptopeke, although never an abundant bird. Since 1994, the station averages about 3.2 Connecticuts a season. The high being nine banded in 1999. This species is acutally more common here than Mourning Warblers.
This bird was the first for the season, but it is early so we might catch a few more before they pull out of the United States for the winter. This particular bird was quite unhealthy so a few pics and was released quickly. Side note here, the fattest songbird I have ever seen was of this species! That bird was huge! Much different than this bird.