Weather and Migration Dr. David Aborn April 20 , 2005 Dear Students: This past week has seen a steady flow of migrants across the country. There haven't been any fronts to create any fallouts, but the southerly winds and clear skies have allowed migrants to make their way pretty far north. Places like Maine and Vermont reported their first Wood Thrushes, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Scarlet Tanagers, while New York and Massachusetts had Prairie Warblers, Gray Catbirds, Great-crested Flycatchers, and Indigo Buntings. The mid-Atlantic region also did pretty well. People in our nation's capitol had an influx of thrushes, especially Wood Thrushes and Veerys. The Midwest has also done well. People in Ohio reported 6 species of warblers, while Iowans saw their first tanagers and thrushes, and Purple Martins made it up to the Dakotas. Here in the south, the tailwinds meant many birds could fly over the Gulf Coast without stopping. Those states did not report much, but here in Tennessee and Georgia we enjoyed a nice display of color. Kennesaw Mountain in Georgia had 12 species of warblers (!!!), including Blue-winged Warblers and Cerulean Warblers. At my study area, there were many Red-eyed Vireos, Black-throated-green Warblers, and Hooded Warblers. I also saw the first American Redstart of the season. Fellow birders and researchers have also seen Blackburnian Warblers, lots of Scarlet Tanagers, and an early Blackpoll Warbler. To top things off, I had the first Yellow-billed Cuckoo of the year right in my back yard! Migration out west has been slow the past couple of weeks, but there was a definite increase this week, especially in New Mexico. Lucy's Warblers, Wilson's Warblers, Grace's Warblers, Gray Flycatchers, and Plumbeous Vireos were all sighted. Gray Flycatchers, Plumbeous Vireos, and Bell's Vireos were all seen throughout California. The Outlook for Birdwatchers We are heading towards the peak of spring migration, and weather conditions look good for a fallout. There is a strong cold front moving across the country. There are very strong northerly winds behind it (temperatures will be 10-15 degrees colder than they have been). The front will pass across the Gulf states by Thursday and Friday. With many birds arriving from the tropics this week, there should be quite a spectacle along the Gulf Coast. By Friday and Saturday the southeast should see many birds around. By the end of the weekend, winds in the Midwest and western Gulf coast will shift to the south, allowing migrants to head north and west. By the beginning of next week, the mid-Atlantic and New England should enjoy the show. The Tennessee birder I have mentioned in previous reports who is still in Costa Rica writes that many migrants that were common down there are now very scarce, especially tanagers, vireos, many warblers, Wood Thrushes, and Baltimore Orioles. It looks like they are headed our way! Take care. David Aborn North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy, TN Click to enlarge The Next Weather and Songbird Migration Update will Be Posted the week of April 27, 2005. Copyright 1996-2005 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form