Weather Related "Groundings"

     In the birding world, spring migration is the most anticipated event of the year. As the temperatures rise, so does a birder’s enthusiasm to find new migrants. Picture perfect days often bring out the masses to well –known Connecticut hotspots like Hammonassett Beach State Park in Madison and Milford Point.

   Still, picture perfect days in the spring can sometimes be hard to come by. April showers bring May flowers, but it might also bring fog, wind and downpours too. These unsettled days are almost always avoided by the average birdwatcher, but not me, I prefer them.

     As a primarily inland birder, I rely heavily on weather systems to drop and delay birds that would otherwise bypass my region. For example, Red-throated Loons, White-winged Scoters and Horned Grebes are practically guaranteed to be found along the Connecticut coast during the appropriate time of year. But in Hartford County, those same species are nearly impossible to find without the assistance of foul weather.

     So how does a person who lives far away from the coast find these uncommon species? To start with, you need to keep your eye on the week’s weather forecast.  If the forecast calls for precipitation to move in during the overnight, an effort should be made the following morning to search reservoirs and lakes for grounded migrants. Secondly, dedicating yourself to a favorite location will help prevent hard-to-find species from going undetected. Persistence will eventually reap rewards.

     Batterson Park Pond in Farmington is one place I continue to check on a regular basis. Conveniently located on my way to work, this 140-acre body of water has been a pleasant surprise over the years. Last April’s weather related sightings at Batterson Pond included Lesser Scaup, Surf Scoters, Red-breasted Merganser, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebes and Common Loons. 


Batterson Pond in the fog and rain

     The same rules can also apply to finding migrant shorebirds. When inclement weather is encountered, shorebirds will often seek refuge within farmland or along lakeshores until migratory conditions improve. Black-bellied Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin and Short-billed Dowitcher are some of the prized inland finds.

     Clearly there are many benefits to birding inland during unsettled weather. Along with all the excitement of finding loons, grebes and shorebirds, comes the intimate encounter’s with birds that may be difficult to obtain from a coastal site.

     The next time a bit of rain cancels you’re birding plans, you might want to think twice about staying indoors. Who knows, there could possibly be a flock of ten Red-necked Grebe resting on a small pond near you!