Final Results for Prothonotary Warbler Boxes in Chesapeake, VA

Shirley Devan here again. Blog Owner Brian Taber invited me to post the final results of the Prothonotary Warbler nest boxes at Northwest River Park in Chesapeake. We had a great season down there. Here are the final data.

Stephen Living, VaDGIF Wildlife Biologiest, or I, plus volunteers from CVWO, Williamsburg Bird Club, and Historic Rivers Chapter of VA Master Naturalists, visited Northwest River Park 22 times between April 13 and July 5 – sometimes twice a week – to ensure that as many nestlings and adults as possible were counted and banded. Here are the final numbers:

• 136 PROW nestlings banded
• 17 new PROW females captured and banded
• 3 new PROW males captured and banded
• 55 boxes showed evidence of PROW nest activity (from "sprig of moss" to 2 broods)
• 6 boxes had 2 broods that were banded
• 9 female PROW females banded at Northwest River in 2009 and 2010 were “recaptured” in 2011. Five were banded as adults in 2009; one was banded as a nestling in 2009; three were banded as adults in 2010.

In the original 39 boxes at Northwest River Park since 2008, 38 boxes showed evidence of PROW nesting activity – ranging from “sprig of moss” to two broods.

Many thanks to the organizations who provided start-up supplies, labor, and financial support for this 2011 effort:

• Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory
• VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
• Virginia Society of Ornithology
• Richmond Audubon Society
• Williamsburg Bird Club and individual Bird Club members
• Members of Historic Rivers Chapter, VA Master Naturalist

The 62 new boxes installed in 2011 showed moderate to no activity, depending on location. Ten of the 23 boxes close to the original 39 hosted PROW nest activity. The farther the boxes were from the original 39, the less activity. Some of the boxes will be candidates for repositioning in 2012, but many will probably remain in position for a second year to give the warblers a chance to find and nest in them.

We’re looking forward to mid-April 2012 when the first Prothonotary Warblers arrive!! Stay tuned.