There was a large influx of birds at Palmyra Cove this AM. Mostly Yellow-rumps and Parulas but a number of other species also. Birds were actively feeding and moving around from 6:30 until at least 9:30 when I left. Whether the watch is broken or not, I appreciate your time and efforts. Thanks.
Interesting Walt! Thanks for your report. There appeared to be some light movement from W->E last night, but it was hard to call it “birds” or “not”. My hunch is that what you witnessed was local movements into the area, possibly even a morning flight event that was separate from nocturnal migration (birds that were already in the area overnight, picking up and moving in the AM). The radar is good for picking up high(er) flying birds across large areas, but does poorly at picking up local movements at low altitude. The watch is definitely not broken 😉
Cheers- and thanks again. I always appreciate your comments and observations.
David
Correction of my first comment: The total influx of birds at Palmyra Cove may not have been that large (in absolute #’s) but there was a definite increase in warblers & birds of interest. As I corrected myself on Jerseybirds list, the increase may well have been under 1000 total which may explain the no-show on radar. I apologize for my mistake. Thanks again.
You nailed it last Saturday! I was afraid it would be too windy, but it turned out to be one of the great birding days of my life. I will never forget the “highway of flickers” overhead, or hanging out in the Locust Grove watching one warbler after another come in.
The question is, if you look at where you were four years ago and where you are today, do you feel your forecasts have improved?
4 responses to “No migration last night”
There was a large influx of birds at Palmyra Cove this AM. Mostly Yellow-rumps and Parulas but a number of other species also. Birds were actively feeding and moving around from 6:30 until at least 9:30 when I left. Whether the watch is broken or not, I appreciate your time and efforts. Thanks.
Interesting Walt! Thanks for your report. There appeared to be some light movement from W->E last night, but it was hard to call it “birds” or “not”. My hunch is that what you witnessed was local movements into the area, possibly even a morning flight event that was separate from nocturnal migration (birds that were already in the area overnight, picking up and moving in the AM). The radar is good for picking up high(er) flying birds across large areas, but does poorly at picking up local movements at low altitude. The watch is definitely not broken 😉
Cheers- and thanks again. I always appreciate your comments and observations.
David
Correction of my first comment: The total influx of birds at Palmyra Cove may not have been that large (in absolute #’s) but there was a definite increase in warblers & birds of interest. As I corrected myself on Jerseybirds list, the increase may well have been under 1000 total which may explain the no-show on radar. I apologize for my mistake. Thanks again.
You nailed it last Saturday! I was afraid it would be too windy, but it turned out to be one of the great birding days of my life. I will never forget the “highway of flickers” overhead, or hanging out in the Locust Grove watching one warbler after another come in.
The question is, if you look at where you were four years ago and where you are today, do you feel your forecasts have improved?