Spring Is Around the Corner
Daylight length is slowly increasing and temperatures are rising. Spring is near! And while bird migration activity is low, that's normal during the early stages of the season. Report your first observations of Red-winged Blackbirds, Barn Swallows, Baltimore and Bullock's Orioles, and Common Loons to Journey North.
Journey North Species
Red-Winged Blackbird
An early-arriving migratory species, Red-winged Blackbirds are already being reported by Journey North volunteers in the Midwest and Northeast.
Mary in Wayland, NY: "It is snowing and blowing here and I was surprised to look my front window to see a small flock of Red-winged Blackbirds." (02/25/2022)
Kathryn in Auburn, IN: "Heard and saw two Red-winged Blackbirds at Greenhurst Park." (02/28/2022)
Barn Swallow
Barn Swallows migrate long distances. During spring migration, they burn through much of their fat reserves and may appear thin when arriving to breeding territories.
Christine in Morgan Hill, CA: "[Barn] Swallow looked a little thin." (03/02/2022)
Baltimore Oriole and Bullock’s Oriole, Common Loon
No recent reports of Baltimore Orioles, Bullock's Orioles, or Common Loons. The spring migration season is in its early stages. When will these species begin to arrive? Check out our maps from previous years to explore their migration trajectories.
Chuck Henrikson’s Birding Report
What birds is Chuck Henrikson observing at Journey North's home base, the UW–Arboretum? Find out in his latest birding report.
“The activity of the birds and the number of different species has not changed that much recently but now that we are moving into March we should begin to see a couple of early spring arrivals. It’s time to keep an eye and ear out for these new species.”
Read more of Chuck Henrikson’s birding report #102»
Weather Forecasts for Migrating Songbirds
Dr. David Aborn’s weekly Weather Forecasts for Migrating Songbirds reports will return soon – stay tuned!
