Abstract

Migratory birds were surveyed at stopover sites in New Orleans, Louisiana, during seven spring and fall seasons in relation to weather conditions. Weather was classified into four synoptic scenarios distinguished primarily by positions of fronts, wind directions, and pressure characteristics. Overall numbers of migrants in spring were more numerous during the synoptic scenarios in which a cold front was about to arrive (Frontal Gulf Return) or had already passed (Post Frontal), than when airflow was off the Gulf or from the east (Coastal Return, which often preceded frontal passage). Counts of White-eyed (Vireo griseus) and Red-eyed vireos (V. olivaceus), Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea), and thrushes (Hylocichla and Catharus combined) showed differences among weather scenarios, mostly with high counts under Post Frontal conditions and/or low counts under Coastal Return. Post Frontal values were higher in fall than Coastal Return for overall migrants, Common Yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas), and Indigo Buntings. However, four individual species failed to show any variation with weather. Counts after cold front passages in both spring and fall were higher than those preceding the fronts for all migrants combined.

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