Heavy migration over the mid-Atlantic


With the passing of the latest low pressure system, northwest winds triggered a sizable migration event both into and out of the mid-Atlantic. Here’s the radar from 7:00pm last night through 5:00am this morning.

Frames are every 1/2 hour. Click on the thumbnail to view the full-sized animation.

Base Reflectivity image from Fort Dix Base Velocity image from Fort Dix Base Reflectivity image from Dover AFB Base Velocity image from Dover AFB Composite Base Reflectivity image from the Northeastern USA

Northwest winds and clear(ish) skies made for almost perfect migration conditions last night. Heavy migration could be seen on both radars covering NJ and the Delmarva, with the only notable exception being the extreme northeastern portion of the region. Unfortunately, the storm system moving northeast may have cut off some birds which would have come down via Massachusetts, Connecticut, and eastern New York. Otherwise, though, northwest winds should guarantee good birding conditions along the Jersey shore this morning. The buoy off of Sandy Hook was registering NW winds until 3:00am, after which they turned NNW, suggesting this will be a good place for birders to check this morning. The radar also indicated heavy movement down into the Cape May peninsula. Coupled with northwest winds, this could make for an awesome morning fight today. Interior locations should be less birdy than coastal ones, but should also see some turnover of new birds, and the raptor flight today should be good given the forecast for continued north winds.

Good Birding

David

P.S. Come check out my migration forecast for the Mid-Atlantic on Birdcapemay.org

Please don’t forget to become a member of the Woodcreeper/Badbirdz flock today. For more information, please check out the Become a Member post.


2 responses to “Heavy migration over the mid-Atlantic”

  1. sparrows have arrived

    on Duke this morning..

    Song
    Swamp (~25)
    Savannah (~50)
    Lincoln’s (1)
    White Crowned (2)
    Field (1)
    Grasshopper (1)
    Chipping
    Towhee

    probably white-throateds around too…they were in yesterday but I really only birded the grasslands this morning

    otherwise
    4 or 5 Palm Warblers
    3 Kestrels

  2. White-throated Sparrows are now in numbers in Central Park in NYC. They really started to come in within the last week or so. All first winters; I have yet to see an adult. My first Winter Wrens were also seen last week as well as Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Seems like Northern Parula has taken over the lead from American Redstart as the most common warbler in the park. Today, I saw my first Hermit Thrush for the season.

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