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Weather and Migration
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Dear Students:
Migration
is really starting to pick up! Last week I mentioned that a series of
cold fronts would be moving across the country. These would force newly
arriving migrants to land, and keep grounded those that were around. Well,
that is exactly what happened. Across the southern part of the country,
migrant sightings have picked up. The big winner is California.
Since March 10th, sightings of a Western Kingbird, a Vermillion Flycatcher,
and numerous Swainson's Hawks were reported in the San Bernardino Mountains;
a Magnolia Warbler in San Francisco; and Baltimore and Orchard Orioles
in Los Angeles. Arizona's first Ruby-throated Hummingbird showed up in
Tucson on March 9th.
The eastern US hasn't missed out on the excitement either. On my trip to the South Carolina coast this weekend, we saw hundreds of Tree Swallows, as well as the first Yellow-throated Warblers, Blue-headed Vireos, and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. Here in Tennessee, we continue to have lots of swallows of several species. I have not heard of many migrants much farther north. The north winds and rain just won't allow them to get very far.
What
Does the Coming Weather Mean for Birdwatchers?
Will things change this week? If you look at the weather map, you will
see conditions are good for flying in the western US the. The winds are
from the south, and skies are clear. This means any migrants that are
around can start heading north, and the way is clear for any new migrants
coming in from the south. The eastern half of the country is a different
story. The southeast is experiencing rain right now, and another front
is heading this way. There is a chance of rain through the weekend. This
means birds here already will be staying put, and newly arriving birds
won't get very far. While we are still early in migration, there could
be some small fallouts along the Gulf coast and southeast. If there are
any breaks in the rain, I will be heading out to check things out and
I will let you know what I see! Take care.
David
Aborn
North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy, TN
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The Next Weather and Songbird Migration Update will Be Posted on March 23, 2005.
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