Weather Forecasts for Migrating Songbirds

Spring migration carries on. What late season species is Dr. Aborn observing? And how is weather impacting migration?

"Here in Tennessee, there have been lots of Bay-breasted Warblers, and Magnolia Warblers and Yellow-billed Cuckoos are starting to move through as well . . . Migration will continue to be strong at opposite ends of the country . . . The weather looks good for seeing lots of arrivals. Get out there before it is over!"

Read more of Weather Forestcasts for Migrating Songbirds #10»

Chuck Henrikson’s Birding Report 

At Journey North's home base, the UW–Madison Arboretum, Chuck Henrikson shares news of many new arrivals.

"Many birders are seeing between 20 and 30 species of warblers in spectacularly colorful plumages. Besides warblers many other bird groups are arriving too. Vireos such as Warbling Vireos, Red-eyed Vireos, Yellow-throated Vireos and Blue-headed Vireos are being heard and seen. In HoNeeUm I’m hearing and seeing the Baltimore Orioles in all their orange and black glory as well as the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in their black and white base colors with a great accent of a bright red bib . . . These are just a few of the newbies."

Read more of Chuck Henrikson's birding report #61»

Journey North Species

Baltimore Oriole

More Baltimore Orioles are reaching the northern limits of their breeding range in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Quebec. No reports yet reported in New Brunswick or Nova Scotia. 

Peter in Regina, SK: "Spotted it [Baltimore Oriole] near the grape jelly feeder. It eyed the feeder, sang a bit and then went on it." (05/13/2021)

Ken in Lethbridge County, AB: "I was birding at Park Lake Provincial Park located approx. 16 km NE of Lethbridge this morning when I heard and then saw my first Baltimore Oriole of the year." (05/14/2021)

Scarlett in Waterloo, QC: I spotted a female [Baltimore Oriole] moments ago, followed by a male minutes later. They didn't stay for a meal, as a greedy squirrel was peventing access to the feeder. I hope they return for a visit, soon." (05/18/2021)

Bullock's Oriole

Bullock's Orioles are moving into Colorado. Journey North observers are expecting more arrivals soon.

Par in Parker, CO: "Male [Bullock's Oriole] on the feeder at 2 PM. Back at 4 PM. Should see more of the flock soon." (05/05/2021)

Barn Swallow

Many Barn Swallows have already arrived to breeding grounds. Nesting season is underway!

Barbara Ann in Beaver, PA: "They [Barn Swallows] have started to nest in the lower level of our 100 year old bank barn." (05/10/2021)

Common Loon

A welcome sight: Common Loons back on the lakes of the Northwoods.

Jenna in Thunder Bay District, ON: "[Common Loons on] Middle Shebandowan lake." (05/01/2021)

Red-Winged Blackbird

While most Red-winged Blackbirds have arrived to breeding territories, some Journey North observers are still reporting their first observation of the season.

Dee in Edmonton, AB: "First male [Red-winged Blackbird]." (05/12/2021)

Keep Reporting

Migration is not over yet. Keep reporting Red-winged Blackbird, Barn Swallow, Baltimore and Bullock’s Oriole, and Common Loon observations to Journey North. If possible, include photos in your reports. Photos are always helpful to properly identify species and verify reports. And if you observe other bird species, please report under the category All Other Signs of Spring.