March 5, 2008
 |
Dr.
David Aborn |
Dear Students:
Well, as predicted, when that low pressure area moved east last week, the southerly winds brought in new birds.
Birding
Firsts This Week
The first Ruby-throated Hummingbirds of the year were seen in
Louisiana and Alabama, and Barn Swallows made a big appearance. They
were reported in Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and in 21 counties in Texas.
Here in Tennessee, the first Rough-winged Swallow was seen. Some of the
early season warblers also showed up, with a Golden-cheeked Warbler in
Texas, and Northern Parulas in Florida and Louisiana.
The south winds
also allowed birds that had been around to complete another leg of migration,
as Tree Swallows were seen in North Carolina and Ohio. I have not had
any reports of migrants showing up in the western US, but I am sure that
will change soon.
Cold
Front Affects Migration
The good weather did not last very long. A very powerful
cold front has been moving across the country, bringing heavy rain,
snow, and
north winds. That will keep birds grounded for a few days. If
this sort of system happens in a few weeks, we could see what
are known as fallouts, especially along the Gulf coast. It takes
birds 18 hours of nonstop flying to make across the Gulf of Mexico.
Many are so exhausted that if they encounter strong headwinds,
they land very quickly, like they are falling out of they sky. It
is very impressive to see, with birds numbering in the hundreds
or even thousands
in a given area. We are too early in the season to see something
like that, but it is coming!
What to Expect This Week
So what does this week look like? There is another front forming out
west. While not as strong as today's front, it is nonetheless
expected to bring rain and north winds, which will keep
birds grounded another few days. By the weekend, however,
winds should shift around to the south, allowing grounded
birds to head north again, and allowing another wave of migrants
to arrive.
 |
I
will be taking my ornithology class to the South Carolina coast during
that time, so it could be very interesting. I will let you know!
Take Care.
David Aborn
North
Chickamauga Creek Conservancy
Chattanooga, TN
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