Mind the migrant traps
A few simple habits can make a big difference in the number of birds you see during spring migration.
Pay attention to the weather. In springtime, birds depend on winds coming out of the south to make easier work of long flights. Warm fronts bring Neotropical migrants, but steady southerly winds may push the travelers past us.
Gusty and rainy late northers can slow birds down and force them to wait for more favorable conditions. Extreme cases create fallouts that ground thousands of birds at a time.
Eyes to the sky! Spend some time outside during the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before dusk. Birds are traveling between roosts and foraging spots at these times. Migrating raptors lift off when the air has warmed, and can often be spotted a bit later in the morning.
Listen for unfamiliar songs and call notes. It may take some patience to locate the source. If you're lucky you'll discover a previously unknown species.
Frequent local hot spots where migrating birds congregate. Blucher Park is what is known as a migrant trap. It offers an oasis among the buildings of downtown, along with the amenities exhausted songbirds are looking for. Tangled understory, native plants, mature live oaks and patches of brush and weeds provide food and shelter.
Larry Jordan, organizer of the Blucher Park bird walks, reported park visitors on Saturday saw 60 species, including 10 warbler species. The walks, hosted by the Audubon Outdoor Club, will continue each Saturday and Sunday in April.
'The walks are pretty informal, so if you can't drag yourself out of bed in time to make the 7:30 a.m. start, just come when you can and join the group.,' Jordan said. 'There will be someone near the park entrance on Carrizo Street to tell you where to find the group.'
I'm looking forward to helping my daughter man the reception table Saturday.
Rose Hill Cemetery and Packery Channel Park are two excellent sites for migration bird-watching. Don't forget to check the weedy field adjacent to the back fence at Rose Hill. An unusual male broad-billed hummingbird was found near Packery Channel this weekend.
The Coastal Bend Audubon Society will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. This month's speaker is Dr. Liz Smith of the International Crane Foundation. Smith is the foundation's whooping crane conservation biologist in Texas.
The Coastal Bend Bays Foundation will host the 17th Annual Earth Day — Bay Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Heritage Park. The free festival aims to 'educate thousands on the importance of environmental stewardship and appreciation for our precious Coastal Bend natural resources — all while having loads of fun!' Vendors, exhibitors and activities will provide nature oriented merchandise, information and family friendly entertainment.
Phyllis Yochem, a Corpus Christi resident, has studied birds in Texas since 1960.