 Spring
Scattered northbound migrants arrive as early as mid-February, and substantial migration is usual during March (especially of herons, Ibises, and some raptors and shorebirds). Summer
In June the tern colonies are in full cry and masses of juvenile Sooty Terns cover the Bush Key beaches. Most of the non-nesting species of water birds are reduced to a few individuals. Magnificent Frigatebirds, especially during windy, unsettled weather, prey to some extent on
young terns. Land birds, except the resident Mourning Doves, are scarce, but spring migration persists in a very small way through much of June. By mid-July, many terns have left the nesting colonies, and the first southbound migrants appear.
Fall
Compared to the spring migration, bird migration in the fall is more prolonged and not as obviously influenced by weather. The migration goes on from early July until late November. Large flights of raptors (especially Sharpshinned and Broad-winged Hawks, Merlins, and Peregrine Falcons) are a feature of the September-October migration, and at times these predators seem to outnumber the small land birds they prey upon.
Winter
Midwinter bird life consists mostly of a scant assortment of water birds, notably the flocks of gulls and terns that follow the fishing fleet. Land birds are limited to a few American Kestrels and Belted Kingfishers, an occasional Gray Catbird, Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers, and
Savannah Sparrows. Winter storms will sometimes blow in rare species such as snow geese, assorted ducks & shore birds. Winter is our slowest season, but with the cold fronts, the best birding can be done since the storms send the birds off course. |
