Graphic by John Idzikowski News from the Night Sky Radar and Songbird Migration by Kevin Kearns, Neenah, Wisconsin May 4, 2006 The night of May 01, 2006 brought wind, rain, and birds to Wisconsin. The Low in MN that had affected us last night was still in position to bring more rain. But with the Low to the West of us in WY, and another low directly south of that one in TX, the counter-clockwise flow also created a southerly wind. With the sporadic rain, migrants were able to push on a little. Radar readings were in the upper teens a few hours after sunrise. The following day's birding on May 2 saw the first Red-Eyed Vireos, Cerulean Warblers, and Scarlet Tanagers. Note the three Lows west of Wisconsin (in MN, WY and TX). Weather Underground Lows in MN, WY and TX had counter-clockwise windflow, creating southern winds east of the lows; note wind from south to north from LA, MS, AL up to WI. Weather Underground   May 2, 2006 This night saw the best movement of the year to date! Look at the following maps to see why. The Lows were still to the west. In addition, there was a High to our southeast. The High blocked moisture from the Gulf, creating a stable atmosphere to fly in. Weather Underground   These two systems--Lows to the west and a High to the southeast--combined to create a strong flow from the south speeding the migrants on their way north. Weather Underground Radar Image Note how the "donut" starts about 8:30 PM, and grows after that. Radar readings in Wisconsin were in the 25dbz range for much of the night. I (Kevin) got up several times throughout the night to save images from various time periods to show the consistently strong radar readings. The following day, May 3, Orioles, Rose Breasted Grosbeaks, Yellow Warblers, Great Crested Flycatchers all made either first appearances or increased in numbers according to reports. May 4, 2006 Tonight brought little migration to the state. A second front passed through Wisconsin early in the evening bringing winds more from the northwest. Readings were light and sporadic. Note how winds on May 4 now flow from the north/northwest. Weather Underground Copyright 1996-2006 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form