Yesterday morning at the Indiana Dunes observation tower the migration show leaned hard into spectacle. Flocks of Common Grackles poured past the tower in a steady, surging tide, many groups topping a thousand birds. By the end of the watch we recorded 59 species and 26,429 individuals, including a jaw-dropping 20,730 Common Grackles that turned the sky into a moving, living shadow.
Having one species dominate nearly 80% of the lfight might be the big story, but it became a footnote to the long Eastern Kingbird that lofted it’s way west to east over the parking lot. This appears to be the state’s second-earliest spring record for the state, and about as far north as one can get in Indiana.
Where does that leave us for March so far. The March trip report for the Dunes longshore flight count now sits at 100 species for the month,. The cold start hasn’t hampered things too poorly, but we still have big numbers of robins, blackbirds, and cranes still to come.
Thanks to everyone who counted, photographed, and logged birds this month, and to NOAA and the Indiana DNR Lake Michigan Coastal Program for supporting the longshore program. Visit the daily checklist for 3/25/26 Here.
The full Longshore Flight Trip Report for March can be found Here.
