The winds of spring migration delivered a spectacular show today at the Indiana Dunes, headlined by our first major Blue Jay flight of the season! Observers were treated to an impressive passage of over 2,000 Blue Jays streaming eastward, often in flocks of 100 or more at a time — a classic hallmark of mid-spring mornings along the lakeshore.
Each spring, the Indiana Dunes becomes one of the best spots to catch the annual Blue Jay migration. From late April into mid-May, waves of jays push east along the lakeshore, often moving in tight, fast flocks. On good mornings, it’s not unusual to see several thousand birds streaming by, and on big days, totals can climb past 5,000. By the end of the season, places like the Dunes, Miller Beach, and Michigan City can see over 50,000 Blue Jays pass through. It’s one of the coolest parts of spring migration here and something you really have to experience in person to appreciate.
New Arrivals: Black-and-white Warbler and Spotted Sandpiper
Migration diversity continues to build as the days grow longer. Two new species made their first appearance of the season today:
- Black-and-white Warbler: A single individual, creeping along branches with its nuthatch-like behavior, marked the start of the expected May warbler surge.
- Spotted Sandpiper: Our first spotted friend of the year bobbed along the beach edge, a welcome sign of increasing shorebird movement.
With today’s additions, we have now tallied 128 species for April. You can view the full April trip report here. We’re now at 156 species and climbing with several days of counting still ahead! Who’s ready for May!?
