Tailwinds

Predicting migration has a lot to do with watching wind patterns.  Imagine Ruby-throated hummingbirds gathering along the coastal areas of the Yucatan Peninsula waiting for just the right conditions for their journey across the Gulf of Mexico.  Judging when to depart can mean a successful flight or not. This week tailwinds were favorable for bringing birds across the Gulf to the Florida coast where the first spring sightings were reported. Map courtesy of Windy.com