Northern Parula      ©JimZipp.com

East Rock Park -
“Migration Magnet”

 Each year Jim and I look forward to our annual rite of spring when we get up bright and early to search out new migrants just coming through the state from south of the border!  We treasure each new bird as if it were a gift.  Recently I heard my first Phoebe back from its wintering grounds somewhere in the southern US or Mexico and our first Tree Swallows showed up as well. Yesterday, April 15th our first Palm Warbler of the season showed up! 

          
One of the very best places in Connecticut to witness this annual wonder is East Rock Park on the border of Hamden and New Haven.  It is called a "migrant trap" because of the large numbers of birds that often end up here during spring migration.  Being a migrant trap doesn't necessarily guarantee you seeing great birds each and every time you go, but if you are there on a "good" day.... well, just be prepared for a sore neck!  Good days are usually preceded by clear nights when the birds are more likely to migrate.  Sometimes as in the fall, if there has been a couple days of rain, then a clear night, the following day is often very good.  The rain holds back some of the birds, then the clear night makes them all move at once, before daybreak they settle into an area to rest, then feed in the morning.  East Rock Park, possibly due to the large rock facade that is easily visible to the birds flying at night and the lack of lights seems to attract these far flying travelers - and they land in the trees, resting until daybreak then as all of the birders begin trickling in at dawn, the birds begin singing and feeding.  On a good day you might be able to tally 20 or more species of warblers plus many other colorful and exciting birds such as Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, you name it, they have most likely been seen at East Rock Park!