Spring’s early arrival sparks return of migratory birds ahead of schedule

With the early arrival of spring across much of the Arrowhead region, many migratory birds returned to the Great Lakes and northeast region of Minnesota well ahead of schedule. 

“In the times when most of us would consider it still winter, we had birds already moving north,” Steve Kolbe, an avian ecologist with the Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, said. “Like as early as February.”

Kolbe said the early arrivals included Trumpeter Swans, Canada Geese, and various waterfowl species. “We were seeing some of those species really quite early, much earlier than the previous winter.”

While some waterfowl species began migration ahead of schedule due to the early ice-out conditions on many inland lakes, other bird species, such as songbirds, began arriving just a few weeks ago. Kolbe said that the mild temperatures and conditions have provided many birds a relatively easy migratory return to the northern regions. “It’s been an excellent migration season for birds.” 

Compared to previous years, the variety of waterfowl species in the Grand Marais harbor and along the North Shore has been visibly minimal for many birdwatchers. Kolbe said the ideal wind and weather conditions have allowed birds to continue on their migratory path rather than stopping in harbors for long layovers along the North Shore. If wind conditions from the north or poor weather conditions are prevalent for multiple days, birds will collect in areas to wait for improved conditions. 

The long distance bird species such as Baltimore Orioles, Warblers, Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and similar species are arriving on schedule. Many have been spotted by WTIP listeners across Cook County, including sightings of an Ovenbird, Whip-poor-will, Red-Winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Purple Finch, White-crowned Sparrow, and various others.

Kolbe said the vast majority of the birds will arrive on the North Shore of Lake Superior and the inland regions of the Superior National Forest by the end of May. He said the flycatcher bird species, which primarily feeds on insects caught on the wing, will be one of the last to arrive. 

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Steve Kolbe, an avian ecologist with the Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, about the current status of the bird migration along the North Shore and an update on ongoing research at Natural Resources Research Institute. 

Kalli Hawkins May 24, 2024