And so it begins. Although at any moment of any day of any year some species of bird, somewhere, is migrating; today marks the first significant spring movement of nocturnal migrants over our state. Last night the winds were light and out of the south, providing optimal conditions for northbound birds. Don’t expect any major diversity shifts in this early part of migration, but enjoy the massing of the more northerly species as they make their pilgrimage into and beyond the Garden State.
Here’s are the NEXRAD Base Reflectivity (Blue) and Base Velocity (Red–Green) images from sunset last night through sunrise this morning. Click on each of them to see the animation.
Frames represent 1 hour intervals
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One response to “Spring Migration Day #1”
Many more Song Sparrows and Red-winged Blackbirds around the property.
Birds Singing
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
White-breasted Nuthatch
Tufted Titmouse
Black-capped Chickadee (song, not entirely sure of hybridization since both have been heard simultaneously in the past week)
Mourning Dove (many singing)
Carolina Wren
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Brown-headed Cowbird
Other Birds Seen
American Crow
Dark-eyed Junco (several singing at Rutgers yesterday)
American Robin
Common Grackle