Spring came roaring through the Indiana Dunes Observation Tower on Tuesday.
We finished shy of 100 species, ending the day with an even 90 in over seven hours of counting, and the whole morning felt alive with new arrivals. Southerly winds kept birds moving along the lakeshore, and every stretch seemed to bring another sign that migration is hitting a new gear.
The standout was an incredible push of 2,580 Pectoral Sandpipers, with flock after flock moving past the tower. It was the highest single day total we’ve ever had at the longshore tower, and one of the highest spring counts for NW Indiana. Raptors added plenty of excitement too, including Osprey, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, Broad-winged Hawks, kestrels, Merlins, and a Peregrine.
Just as fun was the growing list of true spring arrivals. Chimney Swifts were back, along with Eastern Kingbird, Blue-headed Vireo, Gray Catbird, Baltimore Oriole, Northern Parula, and a nice mix of warblers. After a slower start to the season, this was the kind of day that felt like spring opening the door and finally stepping all the way in.
See yesterday’s complete checklist here.
Tags: longshore flight survey shorebirds
