Spring songbird migration information for Magee Marsh Wildlife Area was developed from research conducted by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory.
Early Migrants - Overflight Species
Generally last week of April to first part of May.
- Dominant:
- Yellow-rumped Warbler (male)
- White-throated Sparrow (male)
- Hermit Thrush
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet (male)
- Subdominants:
- Song Sparrow
- Nashville Warbler (male)
- Western Palm Warbler (male)
- Swamp Sparrow
- Black-and-white Warbler
- Black-throated Green Warbler
- Overflight species:
- Worm-eating Warbler
- Hooded Warbler
- Louisiana Waterthrush Warbler
- Kentucky Warbler
- Yellow-throated Warbler
- Prairie Warbler
Mid Migrants - High Species Variation
Generally first two weeks of May.
- Dominants:
- Yellow-rumped Warbler (female)
- Swainson's Thrush
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet (female)
- Magnolia Warbler (male)
- White-throated Sparrow (female)
- Blue-jay
- Subdominants:
- Lincoln Sparrow
- Chestnut-sided Warbler
- Tennessee Warbler
- Common Yellowthroat Warbler
- Veery
- Nashville Warbler (female)
- Black-and-white Warbler
- Yellow Warbler
- Others:
- Orioles
- Tanagers
- Grosbeaks
Late Migrants - High Numbers Migrating
Generally last week of May.
- Dominants:
- Magnolia Warbler (female)
- Indigo Bunting
- Cedar Waxwing
- American Redstart
- Empidonax Flycatchers
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Subdominants:
- Wilson's Warbler
- Mourning Warbler
- Warbling Vireo
- Canada Warbler
- Bay-breasted Warbler
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Weather
Watch the low pressure cells during the spring. If they stay east bound from Oklahoma/Arkansas, look for some really good movements of birds. If they climb into the Great Lakes, there will be movements, but the volume won't be what one might expect.