Golden Triangle Audubon Bird alert Update -- April 27, 2010

Today (April 27), there were many migrants in Sabine Woods from the morning through to dark.  Most numerous of the more than 20 warblers species were Canada Warblers (probably about 15 including one female), Ovenbirds (probably 20) and Black-throated Green Warblers (about 20). Yellow-breasted Chats were not even hiding, and there were more than 10 present.  Noteworthy were at least three male Blackburnians, a late Louisiana Waterthrush, and further sightings of the male Mourning that has seemingly been present since April 24.  Redstarts have yet to appear in any numbers, although two or more females were seen. 

All the expected Vireos were present, including many Warbling, one or two Philadelphias, and probably in excess of 25 Blue-headed Vireos. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks outnumbered Tanagers, although both Summer and Scarlet were not difficult to find.  Flycatchers were easily found, with Great-crested, numerous Eastern Wood Pewees and 8-10 Empids, including a couple of obvious Least Flycatchers, two that looked like Acadians, and two that appeared to be Traill's, one of which was calling with a "whit" note and thus probably Willow.

The amazing sparrow migration of the past two or three days appeared to have decreased, but Lark Sparrows were still easy to find as were Western Kingbirds.  However, there were again Swainson's Thrushes absolutely everywhere and the number in the Woods probably exceeded 100.  There was a relatively small number of Wood Thrushes, and most observers who looked were able to find a Gray-cheeked and one or two Veeries.

We have a report from Steve Mayes of a good shorebird field on Johnson Road in west Jefferson County, with large numbers of Whimbrel and American Golden Plover and smaller numbers of Pectoral Sandpipers and peeps, including Baird's.  Upland Sandpipers were once again very easy to find in numbers unmatched in the memory of current observers.

The winds on the upper Texas coast have now decreased following a brisk easterly flow after the frontal passage early this morning.  The winds over the Gulf are relatively light tonight with a generally easterly flow at the surfaces, but with a northerly component in the northern part of the western Gulf.  The winds at 3000 ft were generally easterly. 

The winds at Merida were ENE at 14 mph (after being more northerly last night at 7 mph).  The winds along the Texas coast do not appear to be strong enough to seriously interfere with further migration north for those birds so inclined.  It is not clear how many of today's migrant will rest for another day, but surely there will be some birds still there in the morning.

With thanks for reports from Steve Mayes, John Haynes, Steve Dillinger and others.

John A. Whittle