On Monday, I was lamenting the fact that the cold, northwest flow that we had been stuck in was slowing down the current pace of migration. However, as I mentioned, the overall influx of migrants is still ahead of pace as compared to this time last year – due to last year’s early spring cold and snowstorms.

With some southerly winds being predicted within the next few days, we could expect to see a sharp rise in the number of migrants around. In fact, with calm air last night, an influx of Dark-eyed Juncos was detected this morning.

As the weeks progress, we will see a steady rise in the diversity of new arrivals, and in the number of individuals of many species. Some, like White-crowned Sparrows will pass through, on their way to Arctic breeding grounds. Others, like Black-throated Green Warblers will return to breed locally after spending the winter in the tropics.

The study of bird migration has progressed tremendously over the past few years. Technology has provided new ways to study and document migration. One such technology is Doppler Radar. Long since used for weather forcasting, we have discovered that it can also be used to detect nocturnal bird migration (most songbirds are nocturnal migrants). David LaPuma, a friend of mine, now a Graduate Student at my alma mater – Rutgers University, has started a website dedicated to tracking bird migration in New Jersey by studying Doppler radar echos. He will also interpret overnight radar loops in hopes of predicting the volume and even locations of bird migration each morning. This is very cool stuff. Check it out at Woodcreeper.com.