This past week has been highlighted by an early fall heat wave that stretched across much of the Midwest, bringing balmy temperatures reaching almost 80 degrees on at least four days. On multiple days, the strong southerly breeze accompanying this heat wave had thwarted southbound migration, with waterbirds reluctant to spend excess energy fighting a headwind. However, a persistent southerly breeze during fall migration is known for bringing rare vagrants into the region, so it will be interesting to see what turns up after the next weather system moves through on Sept. 7.
A storm front approaches the Point on the afternoon of Sept. 6. The passage of this front should bring northerly breeze and hopefully, some more waterbirds. Photo by Mike McBrien
Despite multiple days of sub-optimal conditions for migration, Sept. 2 did feature a nice west-northwesterly breeze and one of the strongest days of bird movement so far. This was the first big push of dabbling ducks with all species represented, particularly Blue-winged Teal. It was quite a treat to have mixed flocks of these prairie-breeding species moving past the Point in strong numbers. Red-necked Grebes and Common Terns continue to migrate in good numbers as well. In addition, American Golden Plovers and Red-throated Loons have arrived over the past week, with both species still sporting their classy breeding plumage.
Sept. 2 also showcased an impressive flight of passerines and raptors. During the predawn hours, the westerly winds pushed many warblers, thrushes, and other passerines out over Lake Superior. At dawn, many of these birds were witnessed as they flew back to land, bouncing over the dunes and into the pines around the Point in the hundreds!
~ Mike McBrien, 2023 Fall Waterbird Counter
Featured photo: A young Bald Eagle passes by the Whitefish Point Light. Photo by Mike McBrien
