Atlantic Flyway review: Piedmont-Coastal Plain, Region IV, Fall 2001: Patuxent powerline right-of-way (390-0764)

Abstract

After one of the quietest Septembers since this station opened in 1980, a record high number of birds was captured in October, making the seasonal total almost identical to that in fall 2000. Capture totals exceeded 100 on eight mornings between 9 and 24 Oct, and a new daily high was set on 14 Oct, when 203 birds, including 105 Myrtle Warblers, were banded. Capture totals for several species set record highs: Gray Catbird (340, including 4 returns; previous high 288), Northern Cardinal (48, including 2 returns; previous high 36), Fox Sparrow (44, previous high 36), Swamp Sparrow (65, previous high 60), and White-throated Sparrow (382, including 8 returns; previous high 350). For the first time ever, captures of Red-eyed Vireos dropped below 100, with only 5 return birds captured (compared to 15 returns in 2000 and 37 in 1999). Carol Erwin and Woody Martin deserve special thanks for assisting on most mornings throughout the season. Brice Adams, Emma AIIott, Marty Barron, Danny Bystrak, Kacy Cook, Mary Gustafson, Jane Nicolich, Diann Prosser, Mike Quinlan, Gemma Radko, and Jack Saba also provided assistance.