Weather Forecasts for Migrating Songbirds

Spring migration carries on. What species are still moving north at this stage of the season? And how is weather impacting migration? Dr. David Aborn shares the latest:

"Migration is almost over for the entire southern half of the country, with no reports of new arrivals or other activity. For the northern regions of the country, however, it has been very active . . . The coming week looks to be a repeat of last week. The jet stream is still over the northern part of the country, which means there will be southerly winds to help the last batch of migrants make it north."

Read more of Dr. David Aborn's 2022 Weather Forecasts for Migrating Songbirds #9»

Chuck Henrikson’s Birding Report

At Journey North’s home base, the UW–Madison Arboretum, Chuck Henrikson shares news of warblers continuing to arrive in good numbers.

"Even though it was hot last week the birding was unusually good. The wind was out of the south most of the time which brought lots of migrants in. We looked for spots where the wind was reduced and found some along the northern path in Wingra Woods which included Big Spring and the small spring to the east of Big Spring. The small spring was exceptionally good for watching the warblers . . . We probably saw 10-20 different warbler species at that location. To me it was magical."

Read more of Chuck Henrikson’s birding report #113»

Journey North Species

Baltimore and Bullock's Oriole

Baltimore Orioles are nearing the northern limits of their breeding range in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Laura in Kleefeld, MB: "4 male Orioles at feeder & trees, approximately 9 a.m." (05/13/2022)

Bullock's Oriole sightings continue to pick up in Colorado.

Victoria in Boulder, CO: "2 males eating at the feeder. Feeder has sunflower seeds and whole and ground up peanuts. This is the second year they have visited." (05/14/2022)

Barn Swallow

Barn Swallows are being spotted as far north as latitude 52°N in Saskatchewan. Their breeding range extends all the way up to Alaska and the Yukon.

Marlene in Martensville, SK: "3 male barn swallows." (05/12/2022)

Common Loon

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

Stephen in Island Lake, WI: "Looks like a male has staked his claim to Pulaski Lake." (05/18/2022)

Red-Winged Blackbird

Now that many Red-winged Blackbirds have arrived to breeding territories, are you observing any territorial or nesting behavior? 

Keep Reporting

Migration is not over yet. Keep reporting Baltimore and Bullock’s Oriole, Barn Swallow, Common Loon, and Red-winged Blackbird observations to Journey North. If possible, include photos in your reports (one photo per report). 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.