Rouge River Bird Observatory
Sightings Report of May 11, 1995
- The NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD happily feeding in the meadow on 9 May was
overshadowed by the spectacular fallout of migrants witnessed on 10
May. We recorded 100 species yesterday, 29 of which were warblers,
including BLACKPOLL, BAY-BREASTED, NORTHERN PARULA, GOLDEN-WINGED,
PROTHONOTARY, CERULEAN, MOURNING, and LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH. All
species were seen in substantial numbers, except for singles of the
last four species. Multiple Golden-wings, Parulas, BLACKBURNIANS,
BLACK-THROATED BLUES, and CAPE MAYS were a sight to behold. Small
groups of SCARLET TANAGERS and scores of ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS were
found. Oddball species like early COMMON NIGHTHAWKS, two SOLITARY
SANDPIPERS, RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, BOBOLINKS, and the area's first record
for MARSH WREN were also found.
- Today most of these species are still being seen in slightly reduced
numbers. The entire region experienced this fallout, the result of
cool spring weather holding back migration, combined with a slow-
moving low pressure area and dense fog. As an interesting side note,
most of the migrants we are banding have very little fat, so they may
be hanging around a few days.
- We're savoring this rare and wonderful experience!
- In "old news," on 7 May we had a new area record, a LONG-TAILED
JAEGER flying over the meadow. This is the rarest jaeger in the
state, with fewer than 20 records, and exceedingly uncommon in the
lower peninsula.
Julie Craves
Rouge River Bird Observatory
UM-Dearborn