Re: Texas in spring

Gyrfal@aol.com
Mon, 26 Apr 1999 19:01:49 EDT


Just got back from the upper coast of Texas for the major week of neotropic 
migration.  There were more warblers along the canal two miles from my home 
before I left than I saw in Texas.  Finished four days with nine warbler 
species, and maybe 25 total warblers.  High Island was positively dead.  
throngs of people ooing and ahing over cardinals, catbirds and an occasional 
water thrush.

Major cause: strong southerly winds for five days or more.  Great for the 
birds, lousy for the (many disappointed) birders.  Bodes well for warblers 
arriving on summer grounds in great shape, having not been stressed crossing 
the Gulf or moving northwards.  Apparently one of the worst birding years in 
history.  We should all be thankful!

Bob Mumford
Darnestown