Big Low Pres

A large area of low pressure is brewing in the Gulf of Mexico just west of the Tampa/Sarasota region. While this low advanced eastward, birds were making advances from the south. Winds were not 100% optimal, but birds decided they were going for it.

Image taken just after 1:00a.m. Migrants aloft over the FL Straits.

Key West radar shows migration high overhead.

As sunrise approached migrants were well on their way to the southwest corner of the state. Flying over the Gulf and the Ten Thousand Islands. Birds that were flying high enough in altitude may have been able to see or sense the large low pressure area which is violent with rain and gale force winds. These birds are likely to suspend migration and either head for land or drop out if they were already migrating over land. Birds that were flying at lower altitudes are likely flying slower and seem to have continued to fly into the morning.

Radar at 9:30a.m. recorded migration still underway with a impending low pressure system moving east towards the Tampa/Sarasota region.

***Calling all birders along the west coast of the state***
Please drop us a comment below or at our FB page
Let us know what the birding was like. We expect birds to be coming in for you guys to gawk over 🙂 With the impending weather moving in, stay safe and dry. Storms imbedded in this low are looking impressive on radar and likely capable of damaging winds and possibly hail and tornadoes. Be safe, but BIRD ON friends!

Images 1&2: Satellite imagery showing us what radar cannot. A big area of low pressure brewing in the Gulf. 3:Tampa radar picking up migration and showing the storm as it makes its way into radar range. 4: Current NWS graphic showing the estimated location of the stalled front that has retreated back as a warm front.

Nature is Awesome
Angel & Mariel