On March 6, 2012, a gathering of birders captivated by what was newly termed the "longshore flight" convened atop the dune, gazing out over Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes State Park. Positioned near the remnants of the former "green tower," they observed logged 36 species on a cold March morning that quickly heated with strong … Continue reading New Season, New Start
It's hard to believe three short months ago we were standing atop an near arctic shoreline shivering as we waited for ice to break up and Snowy Owls to drift past the lake. The past three years have seen average springs, warm springs, and now cold springs. In just three years, it's clear that the … Continue reading 3 Seasons of Counting
Today we closed another chapter on another great longshore flight season. It's been a rewarding year all around. Today's flight ended almost like it began, with an Eastern Meadowlark. 5,302 birds went past today, and like it's been lately Cedar Waxwings again made up the vast majority of them (5,143). Best birds of the day … Continue reading 423,874
With a poor weekend forecast and a statewide birding festival, the counters took the weekend off. This is not to say that migration would be put on hold for us. Early Saturday morning, the winds shifted for a brief period and a decent 3,000+ flight occurred. Fortunately for the counters and fortunately for the birds, … Continue reading The Substitute
As predicted last night, strong south winds fed a stream of birds into the dunes overnight. By dawn, the winds were stiff and strong, feeling far stronger than the 10-20mph that was predicted for today. We almost felt concerned for our Longshore Platform construction workers who are laying the outer ring of the platform decking … Continue reading Butterbutts Blowing in the Breeze!
Today, April 21, was downright cold at dawn! With thermometers recording well below 32 degrees, it felt nothing like a late April morning should feel. Last night's shift of east winds to southeast never materialized in time. From forecast to actual, there was about a 6-8 hour lag time. Winds began to drift southeast around … Continue reading Longshore Flight, April 21, 2013
Today (April 19th, 2013) the dunes were whip-lashed back to winter. Highs failed to reach 40 degrees and sporadic snow, or what the meteorologists were called graupel, was in the day off and on. The day was not ideal for a longshore flight, and as expected, none occurred. Tomorrow also looks poor, as winds shift even more … Continue reading The Longshore Flight and IN Dunes Tourism
Today is another birding day. Like any birding day, the birds to be seen are a complete surprise until the day ends. We can predict to some good degree how the birding day will go. But in the end, predicting what birds you'll see is really a crap shoot. We knew we'd likely see some … Continue reading Tax Day Refunds
On April 15, 2012, an excellent hawk flight was enjoyed by many lakefront birders. Partly due to an unexpected Broad-winged Hawk flight, as well as a new state record Merlin flight, this high count set forward a new era and renewed effort in hawk watches at the Indiana Dunes State Park. An even more impressive … Continue reading Super Hawk Flight 2013
Today's west winds and cold temperatures failed to bring a longshore flight. But tomorrow and Monday both look ideal for some good flights. Many new season first birds are anticipated shortly! In the meantime ladies and gentlemen, it's time to sit down and have a serious chat. Birdathon is coming. The Indiana Dunes State Park … Continue reading We Need Money… Birds Don’t Count Themselves!
Indiana Dunes Migration Birding 