So according to the radar, there was no flight over the Mid-Atlantic last night. Any changes on the landscape today would most likely be due to local movements as birds either redirect to somewhere they want to be (moving SE on NW winds) or head for better foraging habitat to refuel for their next leg. That said, my prediction for yesterday was a bust, as birds (mostly diurnal migrants) were pretty active at some of the more common spring migrant traps (Garret Mountain and Sandy Hook) and some of the less common spring locations (Cape May Point). Actually, I should have considered the latter, since northwest winds are one of the few features that do help funnel birds back down into the peninsula. I hadn’t really thought about the diurnal birds (raptors, swallows, etc) taking advantage of the early morning southwest winds (up north) or being pushed east on the strong west winds (south)… well, you learn something every day during migration!
Good Birding!
David
One response to “NW winds keep birds down”
David – your flight data is indicative of my observations over the past week. The only warblers I have seen have been a few yellow-rumped last Friday in Wayne, NJ. Ruby-crowned Kinglets have been around and singing. Have hear dothe reports of Hermit Thrushes and Rufous-sided Towhees as well.