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Re: Hurricane Birding?



Ritch,

Most good reports come from inland lakes after the storm passes. Locations
like sod farms might be good. I observed birds flying up the Ashley River
during Hurricane David's passage over Charleston,SC in
1979. It was down to 50 mph winds at that point. I had
both Sooty and Bridled Tern among thousands of Terns.
Stronger winds make hurricane witching almost impossible and very dangerous,
so most reports come the day or two after. I do not advise standing out in
any winds over 55 mph! Look for lots more information about storm
birds, although I think Isabel's path will not likely bring in
a lot of goodies: these ususally come when a storm comes
up the Florida coast.

By the way, I got back from Denver, Colorado Thursday,
did 4 great days birding in that area and got 10 lifers. Anyone interested
in this non-Carolina topic ask me privately at
scompton@sc.rr.com

Be safe,
Steve Compton
Summerville,SC
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ritch Lilly" <scbeachbums@hotmail.com>
To: "Carolinabirds" <carolinabirds@duke.edu>
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2003 8:55 AM
Subject: Hurricane Birding?


> Hey Carolina Birders,
>
> I'm wondering if someone might be able to give me some idea of what to
> expect birding-wise should Isabel decide to head our direction.  I hadn't
> begun birding seriously when previous storms passed close by and therefore
> have no idea what I might hope to find or where to look.  (I do remember
> seeing gulls embedded in the sides of stucco hotels in the Garden City
area
> the day after Hugo hit in '89, but they would have been real tough to ID.)
> Should birding be best prior to landfall or afterwards?  I'm just guessing
> that any such system would be more likely to push birds in around that
> infamous right-front quadrant and pull them out further south.  Would that
> be the case or am I completely off?  (I realize I'm obviously at least a
> little "off" or I wouldn't be looking forward to birding around a
hurricane.
> My wife has suggested I check for birds in the eye-wall.  She sounded real
> excited about the possibilities too.  Hmmmm?!)  Robin Carter mentioned
that
> the sod farms may pick up once the storm comes through.  Will that depend
at
> all upon where the storm hits?  I assume migrant passerines could be
> expected to show up in numbers in some areas and I'd also love the chance
to
> find a pelagic or two.  If anyone has any thoughts on the best birding
> locations to watch before and after a passing or land-falling hurricane,
I'd
> sure appreciate the information.
>
> Thanks so much,
> Ritch Lilly
> Myrtle Beach (Horry County), SC
> scbeachbums@hotmail.com
>
>