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Where are the Wilson's Warblers...

posted by Tim Avery at
on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 

If you've been out birding along the Wasatch front in the past couple of weeks you may have noticed a common migrant missing from the picture.  This August the Wilson's Warblers just aren't around like they normally are.  Usually the last week of the month sees the greatest influx of these migrants as they head south, but this year it hasn't been that great.  In eBird there have only been 2 reports entered all month in Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, Weber, and Box Elder County.  Compare that to the history for this species in Utah and you can see serious differences.  Check out the graphic below:

infographic by author

Well spring migration was late, summer was late, and that may very well be leading to a late migration.  Should be interesting to see what the next couple weeks bring, and if the height of fall passerine migration is a couple weeks behind.  On a side note, about two weeks ago in the High Uintas I saw about half a dozen migrating Wilson's Warblers... Maybe they are sticking to the high country this year!

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3 Comments:
Blogger Stephanie Greenwood said...

Interesting! Any good spots where they're usually seen this time of year? Garr Ranch?

August 31, 2011 at 8:52 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Interesting! Nice use of eBird too. Any other expected Utah migrants that haven't been coming through?

August 31, 2011 at 9:25 PM  
Blogger Tim Avery said...

@Stephanie: Garr Ranch for sure is one of the best locations. But they can turn up just about anywhere. The International Center is also a good bet.

@Robert: EMPIDS!!! Usually a decent number are moving through by now, but the peaks a little off still. Also the hummingbirds don't seem to be as thick as past years. And overall August wasn't fantastic for shorebirds...

If I were gonna hedge my bets, I would venture it will be a good September.

August 31, 2011 at 9:38 PM  

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