What A Spring!

“Manomet has such an impressive portfolio of science-based conservation, and I see enormous potential for growth in Manomet’s education and outreach efforts across each part of its mission,” says Molly. “I’m excited for the opportunity to lead that growth and look forward to working with Manomet’s talented staff and partners, both locally in Massachusetts and globally across the western hemisphere.”

While his time on staff has come to a close, this isn’t a goodbye – Manomet is excited to have Trevor remain part of the team as a Senior Fellow alongside former shorebird biologist Brian Harrington, who recently joined Manomet’s Board of Trustees. In his role as a Senior Fellow, Trevor will advise on and continue to participate in Manomet’s education and outreach programs – including, of course, the banding lab.

“Perhaps I should have retired years ago, but why not hang on for as long as I can?” says Trevor. “I used to think when I was younger that when I grow up, I’ll have to get a real job. Thankfully, I’ve never had to grow up and I’ve been lucky enough to play with the thing I do best for my entire career. And I had a lot of fun people to do that with over the years.”

“Working with Trevor for this past year has been one of the highlights of my time here at Manomet,” says Manomet President Lizzie Schueler. “He is a walking encyclopedia of Manomet history, local ecology, and bird and migration science. We will miss having him around the office every day, but are grateful that we will have continued access to his depth of knowledge and irrepressible wit!”

Trevor’s final banding season featured record-breaking numbers, as well as some rare captures like Eastern Kingbird, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Northern Rough-winged Swallow. Overall, it was an exceptionally successful spring banding season. Our final totals are 1955 new birds banded, 1059 recaptures processed, and 77 species captured. Combining our new birds banded number and the number of recaptures we processed, over 3,000 birds passed through the banding lab safely and successfully this season! We captured 77 species this spring, with 71 being the average over the last ten years. To read a full wrap-up, click here.

Key highlights from the spring 2021 season include:

• 480 Gray Catbirds, the most catbirds banded at Manomet since 1988 when 608 were banded.
• 263 new White-throated Sparrows, the most since 2000 when 302 were banded.
• Above-average numbers of Common Yellowthroat (146), American Redstart (131), Magnolia Warbler (108), and Black-and-White Warbler (101).
• Four White-eyed Vireos – an above-average number, with at least one individual sticking around on the Holmes Farm singing.
• Two Eastern Kingbirds, the first banded at Manomet since 2008.
• A 10-year old Baltimore Oriole, first banded in 2011, caught on our second to last day of banding. This is a new record for the oldest Baltimore Oriole caught at Manomet.

For now, the nets are down and the paths are free to overgrow with vines and shrubs. We are counting the days until August 15.