Migration for last week of March - Big Days ahead

[Doug Martin - PA]

I thought I would put together a report for the final week of March 2018. For the up coming week we have some very different conditions from east to west. About the time the west warms the east turns cold and visa versa. Here is a look at this week and what to expect. There are some real big migration days in the northeast later in the week.

Monday - Gulf winds are light and variable but ok for migration. Temperatures in general are warm in the south but cool in the north. The Carolinas however enjoy some warmer temperatures. Texas winds are generally from the north but mild temperatures. Not an overall great day here.

Tuesday - The Gulf turns negative for crossing but a good push from Texas up to the upper Midwest should move birds north into some soggy mild areas. The northeast stays under cool north winds with little movement there. Not a big day unless you are west.

Wednesday - This is the big day of change as winds turn across the Gulf into Texas and a warm flow begins out west. The upper Midwest gets some strong south winds as birds head north. The Ohio valley begins a nice warm up with south winds and moderating temperatures. The east coast however remains cool under north winds.

Thursday - This is what we have been waiting for! Strong flow across the Gulf brings in large influxes to the south and warm tropical air. Texas heats up as does Kansas Oklahoma Missouri and Illinois. Strong moderation of temperatures and good migration north all the way up in the Northeast. This is better!

Friday - The south comes to life with very warm temperatures. However the poor upper Midwest turns cold once again. A trough sets up from Kansas to New York and to the east of this strong south winds really blow them in. Great migration day for the eastern part of the country.

Saturday - The Gulf looks to remain excellent as more birds pour into the south. Although a strong trough runs clear from Houston to Detroit. West of this cold north winds. Ahead of this is a classic migration pattern! Warm temperatures get all the way to New York & New England. The east coast get it's first taste of tropical air while the Midwest returns to winter.

Sunday - The party ends as the front moves off the east coast. However the upper Midwest begins to improve. By this time many new scouts have been reported all the way up to the Great Lakes.

So this pattern continues. But spring will be finding it's way to many of us. So will the first Martins of the season.

Doug

[ToyinPA]

Thanks for the report Doug. Sure looks good for Martins to flood in to PA by the end of the week. Eyes to the sky .

Toy in PA

[PMDavid]

In one word.......”OUTSTANDING”!!!!! Ur hired !

[-=DKC=-]

Here in Corpus Christi we have a big wave of Purple Martins this evening.

Around 5pm I started seeing hundreds of PMs kettling up high and also hunting at treetop level. Hundreds as far as the eye can see in every direction. A friend that lives about 5 miles from me says he has them as well.

Most PMs I've ever seen besides at a Fall roost.

Sunset tonight should be interesting.

[betaflame]

Here in Corpus Christi we have a big wave of Purple Martins this evening.

Around 5pm I started seeing hundreds of PMs kettling up high and also hunting at treetop level. Hundreds as far as the eye can see in every direction. A friend that lives about 5 miles from me says he has them as well.

Most PMs I've ever seen besides at a Fall roost.

Sunset tonight should be interesting.

Welp. I'm in austin, I just turned up dawnsong and set it for 24/7 (I had it doing dawnsong at 4am->daytime at 9am->off at 10pm). If that was 2 hours ago, sounds like they'll reach me in a few hours then.

First timer, so hopefully have some luck.

[deancamp]

Good stuff Doug. I visualize you standing in front of a green screen. You are using a pointer stick to show on the map the strategy of The Purple Army to advance North on multiple fronts to populate all areas from South to North.
Jeff

[-=DKC=-]

Welp. I'm in austin, I just turned up dawnsong and set it for 24/7 (I had it doing dawnsong at 4am->daytime at 9am->off at 10pm). If that was 2 hours ago, sounds like they'll reach me in a few hours then.

First timer, so hopefully have some luck.

Good luck with your colony. Hope you get birds this year.

[BillieJR]

I've been watching already - just incase some have slipped by and haven't been noticed - but so far nothing. Looks like it's going to get more exciting these next few days so I'm going to put out the Dawn song and maybe I'll get lucky.

Good luck to everyone and thanks for the report, Doug!

[PMS in Virginia]

As your report states Thursday is the day.....right on key, the first sightings here in southern central Virginia

[Doug Martin - PA]

They are dropping from the sky here in PA today.

There will be some tired soldiers straggling in after this cold front sweeps through. So keep an eye out even in the cold on Sunday.

Doug

[Chris B]

ASYs have been increasing in number the last two days as the bugs are coming in. I still think this year has been slow to fill so far but the season is young and the teenagers aren't here yet.

Still no barnies for some reason. Not even evening guests or mower-chasers.