Monitoring Prothonotary Warblers at Northwest River Park in
Chesapeake is well underway with a high occupancy rate in the 100 boxes spread
around this bald cypress-lined river.
Since mid-April, volunteer licensed bander Shirley Devan has
captured 16 female Prothonotary Warblers – 9 recaputured females banded in
prior years or earlier this year and 7 newly banded birds.
May 5 excitement
came at box 4 where we recaptured “Chelsea," a seven year old female
Prothonotary Warbler.
This female was originally banded as a second year bird June 14, 2009 at box 5
by either Renee Hudgins or John Young. Most likely she hatched at Northwest
River Park in 2008. She is 7 years
old this year – remarkable longevity for a neotropical migrant.
May 19
we banded Chelsea’s four nestlings and their photo is shown here.
These
warblers have two clutches per season and the first clutch is hatching now in
mid May
