[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

South Carolina NAMC preliminary report




After a long run of mostly excellent (or at least dry) weather for North
American Migration Count days in South Carolina, the intrepid NAMC counters have
encountered some adverse weather on the last three counts.  The  North
American Migration Count for South Carolina held this past Saturday was the
third count in a row where at least some of the counters were up against
bad weather.  Last spring some folks encountered afternoon thunderstorms on
count day; last fall most counters in the state battled winds of
considerable intensity.

It was rain this time, rain coming down in torrents, rain on count day.
Where it didn't rain in the state, it was sweltering heat in air so heavy
even Turkey Vultures were flapping to stay aloft.  Despite the discouraging
weather, at least two new counties were covered for this count and one
county received much greater coverage than it had previously.  The two new
counties added were Greenville and Sumter, thanks to Pete Worthington and
Lloyd Moon respectively.  Calhoun county, covered occasionally in previous
counts, was covered thoroughly by Bob Ellis.

Many of the counties that have reported to me so far found very little in the 
way of migrants.  One county reported three migrant species and several 
reported two migrant species.  Some counties reported no migrant species.  
Among the few migrant species reported were some interesting birds, however.  
Along with a few American Redstarts from several counties, Georgetown reported 
Yellow Warbler, Oconee reported possible Snow Geese (an extremely late date for 
the species), Colleton reported Whimbrel, Hampton reported possible Brewer's 
Blackbirds, Sumter reported Least Sandpipers.

So the best way to sum up the Spring 2002 NAMC in South Carolina is this:  
Despite the weather, lots of breeding species were found.  Because of the 
weather, almost no migrants were found.

And maybe, just maybe, bad luck comes in "threes" and our run of bad weather 
for NAMC is at end. Maybe 21 September 2002, the Fall 2002 NAMC, will be a 
better day for finding birds. 


Donna Slyce Bailey
Winnsboro, SC

e-mail: dsbailey@conterra.com

URL:  http://www.conterra.com/dsbailey
	Where are the Birds?  Migration across South Carolina