Things Are Heating Up Around Here

Spring has sprung around these parts! We have been enjoying great weather and warm temperatures down in Miami these last few weeks. Signs of spring are everywhere, the vernal equinox, also known as “the first point of Aries,” is almost upon us. Birds are on the move north tonight according to radar. Looking at regional radar images of Florida we could see signals coming into the radar early this evening just after sunset. These signals were most dramatic north of Tampa and moving generally in a NE direction with Georgia in mind. Farther down the state birds were also on the move but entering the peninsula rather than leaving. The term equinox comes to mind again, signals were both leaving as well as entering the state over night almost in equal density. We were were stoked to have looked at the radar and discover that birds were flying over the FL straights. Birds took to the wing tonight and they couldn’t get here quicker by our expectations. We love this time of year, a time when we are awaiting the arrival of migrants that have been wintering in the tropics. There is no telling what you can discover moving through your local hotspot or your local birding patch.

Back to the radar, birds could be seen flying over the Key West radar moving generally north but some northeast movement was also noted. Miami radar was alive with returns, birds arrived early and seem to continue their migration north. Most birds that have been entering the radar overnight have been coming in from the Keys and are moving over the radar. These returns came into the Miami’s radar from the SW but as the night progressed the birds started to come in from due south. Some of the returns may be found on the ground in the morning around Miami but a big portion of the flight flew over with a northwesterly trajectory. We will be out looking for those first groups of Northern Parula and other migrants that seem to come in every year just around now, what will you be looking for?

Now we would love to hear from you, tell us what you are seeing out there. Anything new showing up in your local birding spots?

Birds are on the way; be ready!

Nature is Awesome
Angel & Mariel

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