Radar Migration September 1, 2016
Happy September! Kick yours off with a great day of birding tomorrow and hopefully Saturday as the birds head out on the northerly flow behind the finally departed front. Once we get to Sunday the weather gets intriguing with Tropical Storm Hermine making a run to the Northeast and likely impacting conditions throughout the region. Remember that when looking at this radar capture the darker the blue, the more birds in the air. Green is even more intense and heavy migration. The birds appear to be basically centered around radar stations because the radar beam rises through the atmosphere as...
Read MoreYoung Gray Catbird
The last of our fledglings are finding their way out of the nest now as September nears. This Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) will have to start forging a path in the world shortly, deciding how far south it has to fly in order to survive. It is a difficult choice – migration is the most dangerous part of a bird’s life, and minimizing it is optimal. However, you may end up facing a much harsher winter with frigid temperatures, snowfall, and less food than a more distant tropical climate. Decisions…
Read MoreRadar Migration August 29, 2016
Today’s cold front cleared the Northeast region, and tonight’s light north winds are predictably pushing migrant birds to the south. Wake up early to spot some songbirds, head to the beach to sight the shorebirds, or pop out midday to see some raptors moving south on the diurnal winds. Good birding to you, autumn lovers!
Read MoreYellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris)
I have recorded several first-of-year birds for me this week that I missed during spring migration. Today’s haul included three more highlighted by this uncommon Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris) that actually let me photograph it while perched in the shade. For the species…I’ll take it! It is only August and so far the autumn migration has been a blast to see but difficult to shoot. I am still not over raising my camera, focusing, pressing the shutter and missing a Mourning Warbler on a branch in the open eight feet from me by a split second. My thanks...
Read MoreLittle House Wren
Hey little House Wren (Troglodytes aedon), time to get out of here soon! The August migration clock is ticking…and it will be a good time to fly for many birds after today’s cold front. Get outdoors in the next few days to see what has arrived in the morning or to watch the skies for migrant raptors in the afternoons.
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