Until an hour ago, sightings of only 3 orioles had been posted on the Internet. Then, this exciting news arrived from David Aborn in Texas. As you'll read below, a huge wave of migrating songbirds landed Tuesday on the Texas Gulf coast. Riding on a south wind, they had presumably just crossed the Gulf of Mexico when they encountered strong winds from the north and were forced to land.
Accurate timing is critical when songbirds cross the Gulf of Mexico.
When there's a fallout on the Texas coast we know many other birds will not cross the 500 miles of open water successfully. And, although those that arrive may stay for only a few hours each year, their lives may depend on the coastal woodlands for food and rest. Had the front passed through at about midnight, this morning would have been great for birding. However, the south winds during the night allowed birds to migrate, so this morning was slow. Later, I received a report from the Texas coast.