Slow Progress of Spring Migration
Dr. David Aborn notes "Migration is picking up, but it is slow. More species are showing up, but only a few individuals of each." Catch up on where migrating songbirds are and keep reporting to Journey North.
Weather Forecasts for Migrating Songbirds
How is weather influencing migration? Dr. David Aborn returns to offer insights into this question.
“Migration is picking up, but it is slow. More species are showing up, but only a few individuals of each…A major storm system has been moving across the country bringing lots of rain, and even snow in some places! That has kept birds grounded and prevented many new birds from arriving.”
Read Dr. David Aborn’s Weather Forecasts & Migrating Songbirds Report for 2024
Journey North Species
There’s plenty to tell about the migration journey of Red-winged Blackbirds, Baltimore Orioles, Common Loons, Barn Swallows, and Eagles. Please submit your sightings to Journey North.
Barn Swallows
Barn swallow migration has been slow. The northern most sighting was reported in Virginia (Latitude: 38.473, Longitude: -77.996)
Our volunteers have Lisa in Culpeper, VA: “Our 1st sighting, sitting in the same spot as last year. Seems early, but plenty of insects for lunch today!” 03/17/2024
Kathy in Morris Chapel, TN: “He actually beat my first Ruby-Throat Hummingbird here..” 03/16/2024
Red-winged Blackbirds
Flocks of Red-winged blackbirds have been sighted as far north as Ontario, Nova Scotia, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Flocks of Grackles are often seen together with Red-winged blackbirds.
Lynda n Seguin, ON: “3 male redwing blackbirds came in with a flock of grackles during a snowstorm and stayed close to my feeder. Two days later, still hanging around as it seems their only food source in this cold snap and snowy weather.” 03/20/2024
Common Loons & Ice-Out
Loons have arrived! Luckily, Journey North volunteers have submitted data on ice-out dates indicating that rivers are flowing and lakes are open.
Ian in Winnipeg, MB: “The ice is nearly gone and the Red River has started to flow. Temperatures forecast on the +º side all next week!” 03/23/2024
Ken in Lethbridge, AB: “I reported ice-out on the Oldman River a few days ago, but now ice is out on smaller local lakes in the Lethbridge area. Yesterday, Henderson Lake in Lethbridge still had approx. 40% ice on it and this morning it was totally ice-free.” 03/20/2024
Evelyn in Drummond/North Elmsley, ON: “Warmest winter on record! 2023 ice-out on Otty Lake was April 13th. 3 1/2 week later! Geese, ducks, no loons or Herons yet.” 03/19/2024
Tim in Phelps, WI: “Ice disappeared yesterday and the loons showed up today!” 03/16/2024
Selias in Coldwater, MI: “Seen two loons out on the lake today. They even made loon sounds. These are fascinating birds.” 03/23/2024
Maria in Nottingham, NH: “I heard and saw 1 loon on the lake. was not able to get a photo.” 03/19/2024
Orioles
Spring snow storms appear to have stalled the spring migration of Baltimore orioles. There are no sightings of Bullock’s orioles. Are you seeing Bullock’s and other species of orioles? Please report to Journey North.
Bald Eagles
Check out the Journey North maps to see where Bald Eagles have been observed.
Call for Photos
If possible, please include photos in your reports. Photos are always helpful; they aid in identification and shed light on behavior. However, birds are not always cooperative subjects. One potential workaround is to take a video and then extract a screenshot to use as a photo. Give it a try!
Learn more in the tutorials below:
Remember to Report your Observations to Journey North!
Are you noticing any of the Journey North project species birds in your area?
Please report what you are seeing to Journey North!
