Heavy Migration, Peaking in the North!

Weather and Songbird Migration Update: May 2, 2018

Dear Journey North,

Very Heavy Migration in the North
The Gulf coast migration may be winding down, but in other places farther north it is actually peaking or just getting started. In the past couple of weeks there had been large numbers of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, and Baltimore Orioles along the Gulf of Mexico. But this week, thanks to a large area of high pressure and great flying conditions, migration has been very heavy in the eastern U.S. (see weather map below) and those buntings, grosbeaks, and orioles have now been reported in Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, and Minnesota. Here in Tennessee, I have also been seeing Rose-breasted Grosbeaks all over the place. Indigo Buntings have also arrived here, as have good numbers of Prairie Warblers like the one I banded in the photo on the right. And I saw my first Gray Catbird and Gray-cheeked Thrush this morning. In the far northeast, Warblers have made it as far as Maine, along with American Redstarts, Ovenbirds, and Black-and-white Warblers.

Winging Their Way in the West
Out west, migration was good at the end of last week and over the weekend. During that time, there were clear skies and southerly winds, which brought a steady stream of Western Tanagers and Lazuli Buntings through California. In South Dakota, Swainson’s Thrushes, Orange-crowned Warblers, and Common Yellowthroats arrived, and a birder in Idaho reported thousands of Violet-green, Tree, and Rough-winged Swallows. The first Calliope Hummingbird was seen there as well.

What’s Coming this Week?
That area of high pressure is expected to stay put until the weekend, which will mean a few more days of great birding in the eastern U.S. That high is blocking a cold front, which is bringing strong storms to the central U.S. That means birds will have to stay where they are until the high pressure area moves off and the front can start moving again. West of the Rocky Mountains, the front has cleared and flying conditions are good, so there should be a lot of movement for the rest of the week.

Year of the Bird - World Migratory Bird Day
Another season or my reports is coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean migration is ending! As I said at the beginning of my report today, migration is peaking in many places and just beginning in others farther north, so there is plenty to see! And World Migratory Bird Day is coming up, so many places are going to have activities and celebrations. Find events near you. You can also check with your local zoo, nature center, or bird club, I am sure you can find an event close to you.

It is a great way to learn about birds and what you can do to help protect them, especially since this is the Year of the Bird. You might even be able to show off some of the skills you have learned from Journey North!

I have enjoyed teaching you about how weather affects migration and sharing my reports, and I hope you have enjoyed them and learned a lot too.

Have a great summer!

David Aborn, Ornithologist
North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy
Chattanooga, TN