Weather and Migration Dr. David Aborn April 23, 2003 Dear Students: Migration is chugging along. The front that moved across the country last week brought in a new group of migrants. When the front reached the Gulf Coast states on Saturday, it forced some of the mid-season migrants such as Kentucky Warblers, Blue-winged Warblers, and Orchard Orioles, to land. A couple of the late season migrants, such as Yellow Warblers and Swainson's Thrushes, also showed up. Baltimore Orioles should also be on their way, so keep a sharp eye out! Click on map to enlarge. As the front moved eastward, migrants were forced down in my area. In particular, there has been a big increase in the number of Indigo Buntings, Wood Thrushes, and Scarlet Tanagers. Blackburnian Warbler copyright 2003 by Michael Allen McDowell Click on photo to see this gorgeous bird up close and personal! A student who is working with me was out yesterday and saw a Tennessee Warbler (very appropriate), and a male Blackburnian Warbler, definitely one of the most gorgeous birds you will ever see. Farther west, where the winds have become southerly, many migrants have also been seen the last couple of days. Nebraska, Illinois, and Ohio all reported good numbers of Worm-eating Warblers, Wood Thrushes, and Hooded Warblers. So what does the coming week look like? Well, yet another cold front is approaching the Gulf coast. With the rain and northerly winds, April 24 and 25 should be good birding days for Texas and Louisiana. We are entering the peak of spring migration in the southern part of the US, so the potential is there for some really good sightings. As the front moves east, the southeastern US should look for fallouts over the weekend. By that time, the winds farther west will have shifted, and people in the Midwest can expect another influx of migrants. By the end of the weekend, the same will be true for the mid-Atlantic and northeastern states. As I said before, orioles should be arriving soon so be on the lookout. Take care. David Aborn Chattanooga, TN   Link to Weather Primer by Ornithologist Dr. David Aborn   Copyright 2003 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form