Do you live near a large / long body of water (lake or river) that goes generally stretches in a northern / southern direction (NE? NW? SE? SW?) If so you are next to a migration highway, and should pay particular attention during the twice annual migration periods. While most people have heard of the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways, birds spread out and use other migration highways. The Platte River stretching NW through Nebraska is famous for its Sandhill Crane stopovers in the Spring. Lots of other birds also use the Platte River. I have annotated a Google Maps screenshot which shows just a few “highways”.

Saturday morning I found a HUGE flock of well over 500 birds of Caspian Terns using the Lake Michigan Migration Highway. They were enjoying their fish breakfast at Port Washington, Wisconsin. The small stream, harbor, and power plant makes for good fishing at certain times of the year, and the birds are very aware of this fact. I saw my birds in Coal Dock Park. Mergansers and Pelicans also make stopovers at this location in large numbers.

Caspian Terns (video link for email subscribers)

Here are two birds I also saw while heading over to Port Washington, a Sandhill Crane and Great Horned Owl. While the owl pic is horrible, if you live north of MIlwaukee and would like to see this owl, contact me privately. I do not wish to share its location on a public forum, but given it was hunting well after sunrise, it must have a nest in the vicinity.

The star of the show this weekend with his parents and pastor! The baptism gown my grandson was wearing is well over 100 years old, and has now been used by four generations of babies! The first time this gown was worn was back in the late 1800’s. Baptism Weekend! The blue waters of Lake Michigan may be seen in the background.