Sunday, June 7, 2009

Late migrants still moving




Tonight's Nexrad radar shows what appears to be migrant movement ahead of a low that is bringing storms into the upper midwest. Notice especially the southern tip of Lake Michigan. It looks like migrants are moving up both sides of the lake.

There have been reports recently in Minnesota and Wisconsin of unusually late season appearances of migrants such as Tennessee Warblers and Harris' Sparrows. This has been a spring migration that has kept many of us scratching our heads trying to figure out what is going on.

It may be worthwhile continuing to watch the radar for the next week or so. Traditionally, spring migration is done in mid-June and the southward movement of some birds can begin as early as mid-July. More reason to keep getting into the field.

2 comments:

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

I haven't seen any good sparrows around my neighborhod this spring.

Dawn Fine said...

Very interesting..I wonder what is up with the late migration..any thoughts?

Thought I would pass this by you..
As we pass thru minnesota on our way west this summer...
We are thinking of getting another group together.
Birders who blog, tweet and chirp..I know there are many birdie/nature bloggers in the area...
let me know your thoughts

http://dawnandjeffsblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/look-whos-coming-to-dinner-bwbtc.html