Many forest-nesting birds select dense shrubby habitats for providing post-fledging care and while undergoing their annual molt.  Consequently, at this time of year we often catch large numbers of woodland breeding songbirds (both adults and young-of-the-year, i.e., HYs), like Wood Thrush, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Black-and-white Warbler and American Redstart when they move out of the surrounding forest into the adjacent, well-protected, bug- and berry-rich, shrub-scrub habitats where we have our nets.   The photo is of a second-year male AMRE molting from its dull female-like first alternate, i.e., breeding, plumage to the bright black and orange definitive basic plumage of an adult male (a unique reversal of the usual "confusing fall warbler" scenario!).  Even species like Veery and Canada Warbler that nest at higher elevations well away from our banding area apparently seek out dense shrubby habitats at lower elevations, where they can find abundant cover and food, shortly after their young have fledged.

Also, it is not uncommon at this time of year for species that nest no closer than 100 km away from Powdermill (e.g., Swainson's Thrush, Tennessee Warbler) to be caught still showing physical signs of recent breeding activity (old brood patches or cloacal protuberances) and, either not having yet begun their molt, or having only just begun it.  Such birds, possibly failed breeders, apparently undertake signficant southward flights away from their breeding grounds before their prebasic molt overtakes them.   So, look for a SWTH, TEWA or similar northern-nesting species to show up on this list within the next few weeks.  Did someone say "fall migration?!"