Today was a welcome break for field work on an idyllic May spring day. With sunshine and perfect temperatures plus a light wind it was as wonderful for all of our migrant birds as us. I was watching the radar last night and noted a strong migration occurring with birds leaving and entering the region. I also knew that the weekend was going to end up showery and cloudy, and I decided to swap my Friday and Saturday work plans. This Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis) was a very cooperative fella, allowing me to upgrade my photos of the species from earlier this week.
I actually did not have that many migrants today as I believe more exited than arrived and an abundance of certain species (e.g. Common Yellowthroat, Gray Catbird, and crazily Black-billed Cuckoo) were noted, signaling that a lot of the traffic were of a specific subset of birds where I spent my day. But it can very different even in local areas – what did you see today? Tonight should be a productive movement once again, so enjoy some Saturday birding before the rain moves in. I have much, much more to share over the next couple of weeks as we start to wrap up a terrific spring migration.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
