Weather and Bird Migration

May 22, 2024 by Team Journey North

Dr. David Aborn is back to provide an update on how southerly winds, storms in the Midwest and good flying weather in the East and West have affected May migration. And what about those cicadas? They should be good news for bird populations.

Under gray skies, a red-winged blackbird perches at the feeder. Photo: Micaela in Gulfport, MS (05/06/2024)

 

Weather and songbird migration

From the impact of weather on bird migration to the emergence of cicadas,  Dr. David Aborn captures the action. 

For the past several days, there has been a strong area of high pressure off the East coast, which has provided strong southerly winds, allowing migrants to make a lot of progress in the eastern US. …While that high pressure has meant great migration weather in the east, it has been blocking a frontal system from moving out of the Midwest…

Read Dr. David Aborn’s Weather Forecasts & Migrating Songbirds Report for 2024

Keep reporting

Even if those around you have already reported their first sightings, don’t hesitate to post your sightings as you spot your first oriole, common loon, red-winged blackbird, bald eagle and/or barn swallow!

Hummingbirds and monarchs are also still making their way north. Submit your sightings to Journey North here, and don’t forget to include a photo if you can get one, as well as a short description of the bird or butterfly’s behavior.

You can also submit other observations – not just your first sightings – such as hummingbirds nectaring or robins’ nesting behaviors.

Thank you for contributing to Journey North!