Tomoka Bird Banding Station

 Tomoka Bird Banding Station, located on a spoil island within Tomoka State Park, has been in operation since October 2004.  Tomoka State Park is located on North Beach Street between the Halifax and Tomoka Rivers in Ormond Beach, Florida.  The days and hours vary but are much more frequent during Fall and Spring migrations.  VISITORS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME 

Please Contact Meret Wilson at mileybug@aol.com for days and hours of operation.  Meret is a Federal, State and locally licensed bander.  She is holding a recently banded Northern Cardinal at the right.

See map for directions to Tomoka Bird Banding Station.


Activities:  March 11-14, 2008
 

The weather was frightful this week and looks to continue the remainder of the week.  Last week was such an improvement over the whole winter season.  The weather was perfect and finally a little variety.
 
The first day brought 2 snowbirds, friends I have known for the past 10 years from AOL's Bird Chat Room to the station on the same day.  And, it turned out to be the most active day so far this spring. 
 
This entire banding season I had not caught a single Hermit Thrush (HETH), only Gray-cheeked and Swainson's Thrushes (GCTH, SWTH).  On March 12 I caught a Hermit Thrush that I had banded last spring on 3-7-07.  Since it was an After Hatch Year (AHY) at that time, this bird is at least 3 years old now.  It was also recaptured on 3-14-07.  Must like it here.  The other recapture was a Carolina Wren (CARW) that was originally banded on 10-27-04 as a Hatch Year (HY), the first season TBBS opened.  It has since been re-captured 5 times.  It is still too early to be able to tell if either bird is male or female.

Follow this link to the spreadsheet showing weekly banding totals.  The page is displayed in pdf format.  If you don't have Adobe Reader on your computer, click on the icon to download a free and safe copy here.

 

My AOL birding friends Jocelyn (L) and Pat (R) meeting for the first time in person helping me at the banding table.
Recaptured Hermit Thrush from 3-7-07 and 3-14-07

Five time recaptured Carolina Wren-looks mad about it, too!

Finally a Gray Catbird after none captured during the winter banding season
Myrtle Warbler female; a few still around

Pair of Great Horned Owlets in Osprey nest at bridge near park entrance.  The Ospreys had used this nest for years but were forced to move to the nest the owls used last year which is right next door.  There are two babies!

Webmaster:  paulawehr@bellsouth.net
The photos and information on this page are the property of Halifax River Audubon and may not be reproduced or distributed without the express written consent of Halifax River Audubon.