On Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013, a storm passed across the Gulf of Mexico. This early spring storm created a phenomenon in the birding world known as a "fallout". Fallouts occur when migrating birds encounter weather conditions that cause them to become temporarily grounded. The birds are literally beaten up by high winds and hard rain while in flight. They seek food and shelter at the first sign of land. Bad for the birds but, great for birders who jump at the opportunity to see many species and large numbers of birds.
From Ft. Desoto in the North to Sanibel Island in the South, migrating birds are still being seen in large numbers. Not wanting to miss the fallout, we traveled to Ft. Desoto on Saturday morning, April 6th, before first light.
Upon arriving, we immediately spotted several Hooded Warblers and an Orchard Oriole. Later, we spotted a Blue-Winged Warbler, a Prothonotary Warbler and a Yellow-Billed Cuckoo. Along the shoreline we spotted a Long-Billed Curlew. Although we saw many, many other birds, these six are all life list birds for us. Our life list now stands at 191 species.
Spring migration is just beginning, so we'll be checking the weather forecast for the rest of the month. If another "fallout" occurs, we'll be ready!! Enjoy these photos of our six newest life lists birds from Ft. Desoto Park.....tweet.....tweet!!
 |
| Hooded Warbler (Male) |
 |
| Hooded Warbler (Female) |
 |
| Orchard Oriole |
 |
| Blue-Winged Warbler |
 |
| Prothonotary Warbler |
 |
| Yellow-Billed Cuckoo |
No comments:
Post a Comment