Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Migration Tonight

A quick peek at radar tonight shows an increase in migration in the midwest. Radar returns in Iowa, Missouri, Illinois and the rest of the Ohio River Valley show significant movement.


The forecast for the next 5 days in Minnesota is high temps in the 50s. The warm weather appears to be promoting the move north of early spring migrants. Waterfowl numbers in Minnesota continue to increase even though most lakes are still frozen. First of the year birds such as Killdeer, Sandhill Cranes and Red-winged Blackbirds are showing up in many places. With continued melting of snow cover in the upper midwest the excitement of migration is tempered by the threat of significant flooding in many locations.

The next week to ten days should be good for birding. Lucky for me it occurs just in time for our March banding program on Saturday and my week off for spring break. If the weather holds out I hope to log lots of field time.

If you would like to check out the radar a link is provided here.

1 comment:

jorgenson1717 said...

Amazing look at migration radar! Pretty soon the birds will be in Northern MN. I'm waiting and looking for them every day. Thanks for keeping us updated.