National Overview
As the most recent low pressure system moved into the Northeastern U.S. migration conditions improved for most of the landmass between, and to the south of, Texas and the eastern Great Lakes region. As you can see below, though, migration densities were highest throughout the southern Mississippi and Central Flyways with little movement over the two regions I cover below…
Below are the radar loops from sunset last night through 5:00am this morning
New Jersey (Mid-Atlantic)
Frames are every 1/2 hour. Click on the thumbnail to view the full-sized animation.
Migration over the Mid-Atlantic was quite light, especially along the coast. Over New Jersey you can see that any movement was restricted to the western portion of the state, with birds appearing to come up through the Delaware River floodplain. There did appear to be some movement northeast across the state but densities were very low. Expect some turnover at northern hotspots such as Garret Mountain and Sandy Hook, but little in the way of new concentrations today.
Wisconsin (Upper Midwest)
Frames are every 1/2 hour. Click on the thumbnail to view the full-sized animation.
Unfortunately the Milwaukee radar was down last night. It’s possible, though, that the radar is down for its dual-polarization upgrade! (I just checked the schedule and it says April 2 – 15… but maybe they’re ahead of schedule?). Regardless, I don’t think we missed anything based on the regional radar. La Crosse showed a small pulse of reflectivity but based on the extent and the associated velocity (pretty variable, most objects heading with the wind from W->E), I don’t think it represents bird migration. Most of the migration activity was south of us last night, as two frontal boundaries were draped over the Upper Midwest making conditions less-than-optimal. Expect birding conditions today to be consistent with yesterday as few birds appear to have moved through.
Good Birding,
David
2 responses to “Migration conditions spread eastward; birds follow”
If Milwaukee is upgraded to dual-polarization, what advantage does that provide for tracking migration as it happens? I understand the benefits after its been analyzed, but will the map I see look different? Will there be an immediate benefit to the arm-chair aeroecologist?
Lota of local egret activity. There was 20 + that moved into bridgeport, nj with 20+ herons this mornining. Area was empty yesterday. Vultures taking to the skies as well.