May Migration Challenge - Day 28
May 28, 2025 | 5:50am
Date: May 28, 2025
Location: Seabrook Town Forest
Start Time: 5:50am
Duration: 2 hr, 23 min
Daily Highlights:
Total species observed: 61 species
Warbler species observed: 13
Notable species: Blackburnian Warbler, Willow Flycatcher
Merlin’s Bird of the Day: Ovenbird
Goal Progress:
Seabrook Town Forest Life List: 144 / 140 COMPLETE
Seabrook Town Forest Species Month Total: 110/80+ COMPLETE
Warbler Species Total: 24/20+ COMPLETE
Single Checklist Record: 69/60+ (May 11th) COMPLETE
Vagrant Species Found?: No
Merlin Bird of the Day Streak: 5 (Longest Streak: 5)
Photo of the Day:
Daily Recap:
Before bed last night, I checked BirdCast and saw that migration was on track to be high. Sure enough, I woke up to find that 1.3 million birds had crossed my county. What a late May push it has been!
Despite the numbers, I arrived to a somewhat quiet Town Forest again but somehow still ended the walk with 61 species. It didn’t feel especially active, but the weather was so beautiful I found myself slowing down and taking my time. Usually I don’t stay long when it’s this quiet, but today I didn’t want to leave.
Most of the birds were the usual suspects, but I had some excellent individual moments. A Barred Owl flew right over my head. I had views of singing Blackburnian and Prairie Warblers, both of which have been uncommon here this May. I counted 22 Cedar Waxwings, the highest total yet, so they may be experiencing a push of their own. And to top it off, I spotted fledgling Great Blue Herons in their nest.
Overall, it was just an amazing walk. There’s nothing like a warm, sunny day to really slow down and enjoy every moment on the trail. I know I’ve been aiming to track down some Common Nighthawks in the evenings, but this late migration surge has me up early again, trying to take advantage of whatever is left.
As I am writing this, another high migration is ahead. BUT, I will actually be heading back at sunset tomorrow due to morning plans.
Cedar waxwings are the coolest birds on the block.
Beautiful waxwing photo! A Barred Owl, singing Blackburnian, FOY Willow Flycatcher, and 22 Cedar Waxwings--quite the day. I know you always try for Merlin's Daily Bird and see in your checklist you got an Ovenbird, congratulations!