Dear Journey North Readers,

Spring migration continues to trickle in. A few more species are being seen and a few more states are reporting arrivals. The first Common Yellowthroats are arriving in Texas, and a few Black-and-white Warblers and Northern Parulas are being seen in Alabama. In Georgia, a couple of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are being seen, and in Tennessee, I saw my first Tree Swallows. Birders in the Western United States are also seeing a few arrivals. In Arizona, Scott’s Orioles, Orange-crowned Warblers, and Vermillion Flycatchers are being seen. In San Diego, California, birders are catching sight of a Plumbeous Vireo.

Let us look at this week’s weather map and see what the migration forecast might be. There is a cold front located along the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys that is bringing lots of rain (again!) to much of the Eastern United States. That front is expected to stall, and the forecast is for rain through the weekend. Migratory species in the east might as well get comfortable because they will not be going anywhere for a while! Behind the front in the middle of the country, skies are clear and winds are light; places like Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas should see more species arriving. Out west, another front is approaching from the Pacific, bringing rain to the Southwest. Similar to the east, the rain will keep birds grounded and prevent many new birds from arriving.

It is still early in the season, but migration is picking up – there should be more and more to report in the coming weeks!

Take care.

 Dr. David Aborn

Weather Resource

Check out https://www.windy.com/ to explore a live, interactive global weather map. This great resource provides detailed current and future weather information so you can stay up to speed on when migratory songbirds may be arriving.

Oriole Sightings!

From Thomson, GA: Michelle saw her first Baltimore Oriole of the season, “at our bird bath.” (03/02/2019)

From Rowland Heights, CA: Azucena reporter her first Bullock’s Orioles of the season after she, “heard them chirping. I put out my feeder with jelly and the orioles came.” (03/09/2020)

What bird species are you noticing? If you are seeing Orioles, Barn Swallows, or Red-Winged Blackbirds, you can report your sightings and under the 'Select Species or Event' dropdown menu, select 'Oriole', 'Barn Swallow', or 'Red-Winged Blackbird'. If you are seeing other songbirds or species not listed, select 'All Other Signs of Spring' under the dropdown menu.