Colors of Spring
As mid-May approaches, spring migration is peaking in certain areas and slowing in others. What birds are you noticing? Report your observations to Journey North and celebrate World Migratory Bird Day this Saturday, May 14.
Weather Forecasts for Migrating Songbirds
Dr. David Aborn provides an overview on migratory activity throughout North America and highlights World Migratory Bird Day:
“There has definitely been a shift in activity over the past week. In the southern US, spring migration has slowed to a trickle … While migration is coming to an end here, in many other parts of the US it is becoming very active … This Saturday, May 14 is World Migratory Bird Day. This is a day to celebrate migratory birds and learn how you can protect them.”
Read more of Dr. David Aborn’s 2022 Weather Forecasts for Migrating Songbirds #8»
Chuck Henrikson’s Birding Report
Warblers, warblers, and more warblers. Chuck Henrikson’s shares his latest birding report from Journey North’s home base, the UW–Madison Arboretum:
“Today was a phenomenal birding day. The wind was coming from the south which carried lots of birds to the Arb and Madison in general … I was birding with Ellen Hansen and we birded the path that borders the north side of Wingra Woods … Paul Banas birded that area too. All three of us had fantastic numbers of warbler species as well as good numbers of each warbler species. It was an ideal birding day!”
Read more of Chuck Henrikson’s birding report #112»
Journey North Species
Where is the leading edge of migration for Baltimore and Bullock’s Orioles, Barn Swallows, Common Loons, and Red-winged Blackbirds? Explore our maps to view the latest observations:
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day: “Dim the Lights for Birds at Night”
World Migratory Bird Day is Saturday, May 14. Journey North is proud to join with you, our volunteers, and many others who believe strongly that migratory birds connect us with their unique songs and flights, and remind us of the importance of working together, across borders, to protect them.
The theme of this year’s World Migratory Bird Day, “Dim the Lights for Birds at Night,” focuses on the impacts of light pollution on migratory birds. Most birds migrate at night and need dark skies to safely navigate between their breeding and non-breeding grounds. Light pollution attracts and disorients migrating birds, making them more likely to land in areas where they are more vulnerable to collisions and other dangers. There are many things we can all do to reduce artificial light at night. Learn more and see tips at migratorybirdday.org/takeaction.
Join the global celebration by listening to and watching birds wherever you find yourself this weekend. And report your bird observations to Journey North.
