Migration gathering steam

Migration is gathering steam along the Gulf Coast.  Species that don't winter much in Louisiana that have been reported back include Purple Martin (since January), Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (2 places), American Golden Plover (Grand Isle), Pectoral Sandpiper (near Shreveport), Swallow-tailed Kite (2-3 places), Yellow-throated Vireo (Grand Isle), Yellow-throated Warbler (2 places), Northern Parula (3 places), Louisiana Waterthrush (Grand Isle), and I am probably forgetting some others.

The first migrant "wave" was reported at Grand Isle yesterday, highlighted by 40 Northern Parulas.  Yellow-throated Warblers (2) were seen foraging on open lawn there, usually an indication of coping after recent cross-Gulf arrival.

On my street, a White-throated Sparrow was calling this evening- none has been around this winter, so this is probably a bird on the move, although there is not much territory for it to have migrated from south of here (they do not cross the Gulf for winter).

With the east winds today, I am hoping for some reports of Swallow-tailed Kites moving east over New Orleans.  Reports in past springs have suggested they occur here as migrants in spring more often after east winds, which might deflect them our way from their center of abundance in Florida (whereupon they head east through our area to get "back on track").  Sounds good, anyway!  No reports today yet, though.

Peter