Whew. That was rough. Early April brought nearly an entire week of cold north winds and little movement. After such a great March start, it has been nice to see some warm sunshine and south winds. We've now had 4 days of conditions to add to the fresh April eBird Report. By April 10, we're … Continue reading Ant Eaters Unite
The longshore flight continued again for the fourth consecutive morning of climbing temperatures. Today winds finally shifted a little more southerly than easterly allowing for 80 degree temperatures and a little better longshore flight compared to yesterday. For the day, 4,607 birds flew past the tower site today, comprising 78 species, a tie with our … Continue reading Group Effort
Just a quick update on yesterday's longshore flight for Friday, April 15, the day that used to be tax day. Like the previous few days, winds were again east to southeast with a chilly start, but soon warming to the season's hottest day thus far. 2,025 birds from 72 species were logged Friday. It was … Continue reading Flicker… and another…. and another….
Aside from the birding, another great feature for those that live on the southern rim of Lake Michigan is the mighty influence that 1,040 cubic miles of water has on the landscape. One really can't take too much faith in the weather forecast anyway. Wind shifts can warm or cool the land, bring unexpected rain … Continue reading Wind Block
Saturday, April 12 was the spring day offered up to dunelanders in exchange for all the cold and dreary spring days that had been delivered thus far. With a light breeze at dawn, and warm temperatures, it was a day where just about anything could pass by.By the end of the day, it was a … Continue reading More Flicker Madness
Migration pushes on. Each year a little different. Today's longshore flight produced a respectable 8,356 birds. For the season we have now logged 165,000+ birds. But how does it compare with past years? At this point last year we had just passed the 300,000 mark and in 2012, we were sitting just shy of 200,000 … Continue reading Fire and Ice
April 10 brought the best flight of the month thus far. High winds meant another day where birding was more comfortable from the lower stairs and ground below the platform. Winds at dawn were already gusting to 25 knots. For the day 13,539 birds flew past the park today, making up 54 species. Again, not … Continue reading Yellowhammer Winds
Today, Tuesday, April 9 had yet again another significant migration witnessed over the Indiana Dunes. It was a special day in that we surpassed our grand total from 2012, with an incredible amount of migration still to go. It is amazing how weather patterns play havoc with migration and alter what we see in any … Continue reading The One That Got Away
After yesterday's eclectic flight of birds, including the new state daily record count of American Kestrels, today looked to be a little tamer. Winds were forecasted to begin southwest predawn, but quickly shift west, then northwest by mid morning. Surprisingly, winds were still southwest at dawn, and northwest winds did not occur until around 1pm. … Continue reading Another Indiana State Record Broken!
As projected yesterday, this morning's longshore flight (March 22, 2012) hit a milestone in migrating Red-winged Blackbirds. Today's 1,770 birds surpassed the 50,000 mark for the season. While on milestones, Red-breasted Mergansers surpassed 1,500 for the season with 111 added today, and Killdeer exceeded 500 today by adding 3 birds. The day was overall slow, … Continue reading Flicker Clickin’ and the White Goose Shuffle
Indiana Dunes Migration Birding 