Banded Lawrence’s Goldfinches in East County and Countywide

Banded Lawrence’s Goldfinches in East County and Countywide

Sunday 5 February, Biologist and Master Bird Bander Emily Mastrelli conducted a 5 hour banding session (with my humble help) at a suburban backyard location in the foothills of north east El Cajon. Using just 1 mist net setup (18′) due to constrained space, 60+ birds were safely captured, 58 banded and all safely released. The target species, LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCH, (LAGO in banding parlance) led the way with 34 newly banded birds, with 24 Lesser goldfinches banded as well! As many of you know LAGO are a very nomadic species across their range the Southwestern US, upper Baja, and upper mainland Mexico and banding and other studies of the species historically have been limited. Much of the species data in San Diego County has come from surveys for Phil Unitt’s SDNHM Bird Atlas editions in 1984 and 2004. Ultimately, the hope is to contribute more data to the species’ population and distribution! So, please be on the lookout in the County for Lawrence’s goldfinches with (currently) shiny new bands! While the tiny bands and numbers would be difficult to read out-of-hand, documenting simply banded birds seen would be a wonderful start! Hopefully more LAGO can be banded in the County to augment this beginning band bedazzled bunch. Please email me off-group if you have any questions or want more information, and definitely if you see a banded Lawrence’s goldfinch!
Cheers,
Chris Staurovsky
San Diego County