[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]
Posted by Angel & Mariel on 21:41:48 10/12/12
Hey all,
Major synoptic weather features will have an affect on this weekends birding in South Florida. High pressure has set up across the southeast and Tropical Storm Patty slowly drifts southwest in the central Bahamas. This will create a dry and stable atmosphere which enhances conditions for moderate to heavy migration over state. Lack of moisture in the atmosphere coupled with high pressure will keep chances of precipitation low which will allow migrants a clear passage, thus not stopping for us down here. Our best chances of rain will be present on Sunday lingering into Monday. Knowing this, best chances of migrants being grounded by rain would be these two days.
These weather features don't particularly make us think of neotropical migrants on the ground but rather seabirds. A strong wind gradient can really increase winds along the coast. Jaeger migration is underway and what better conditions than strong persistent NE winds to bring them closer to us. Get out to your closest Seawatch location and scan the inshore waters for Jaegers that may be blown in closer to shore or are in the area looking for a meal to steal. While scanning for seabirds don't forget to look for migrating ducks! All in all it will likely be a better weekend for sea watching than land birding, unless of course you are in search of raptors. Persistent NE winds is great for migrating raptors which should be on tap this weekend!
Get out and bird and report back what you are seeing. As a community we can better understand the migrations that take place over South Florida every year.
Nature is Awesome
Angel & Mariel
[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]