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.