2003 marks the 20^th year of this bird banding research project. Banding was conducted on 32 days during spring migration, summer breeding season, and fall migration. There was a total of 1810.5 net hours of banding with 1789 individual birds handled. 1317 individuals were banded, making this our third most productive banding year. The banded birds represented 75 species. No new species were banded for the marsh this past year. Uncommon species banded included Red-bellied Woodpecker, Alder Flycatcher, Carolina Chickadee (most probably a hybrid with Black-capped Chickadee), Mourning Warbler, and Connecticut Warbler.

The top ten banded species were:

Of the 1789 birds handled, 411 were recaptured bird representing 290 individuals. Of these 290 individuals, 1 was banded in 1996, 3 in 1997, 2 in 1998, 12 in 1999, 20 in 2000, 39 in 2001, 70 in 2002, and 143 earlier in 2003. The old-timer was a female Northern Cardinal banded 3/23/1996.

Numerous individuals were recaptured more than once. Seven individuals were recaptured 4 times. A White-eyed Vireo which was banded 7/6/02 was recaptured 5 times as was a Brown-headed Cowbird which was banded 3/30/03. A Northern Cardinal which was banded 8/31/02 was recaptured six times during the year. Other significant recaptures included two Yellow Warblers banded in 1997 as SY birds making them 6 years old, a White-eyed Vireo banded 5/9/1999 as an AHY-U making this individual at least 5 years old. We also had a 5 year old Wood Thrush which was recaptured 4 times during the year.

A total of 158 species of birds were observed at the marsh during the year.

In addition, a Graylag Goose which is a typical escaped bird was also observed. This is down for the second year in a row. Normal yearly species totals have been closer to 170. Unusual species observed were Common Loon, Graylag Goose, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Northern Goshawk, Whip-poor-will, Prothonotary Warbler, Connecticut Warbler, Lapland Longspur, Snow Bunting, Purple Finch, and Pine Siskin. No new species were observed for the marsh this year. The Springville Marsh State Nature Preserve list stands at 243 species observed since 1978. The current Seneca County species list is at 278.