Date: 09/17/2014

Number: 58

As described in my peak migration report, they started roosting at about 6:15PM on the east side of a large Cottonwood about 40 feet off the ground on a branch hanging out over the soybean field (potential thermal heating as the beans are still green.) Overnight temperature forecast at 5C but I think only got to 8C. At 7:15PM when I last checked they were still fluttering as new ones arrived. I went out at 8:30AM this morning to watch as the sun warmed them up. In ones, twos and threes they fluttered out and immediately started rising out of sight; some went south and others southwest. They almost seemed to be kettling while still fluttering just like the Turkey Vultures do. I'm glad they went high as the Blue Jays have started moving through on their way to Holiday Beach Conservation Area. Never in 20 years living here have I seen anything like this year; I hope this a good sign.

Maidstone, ON

Latitude: 42.2 Longitude: -82.9

Observed by: Laura
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