Migration Forecast: Oct 23/24

[Bryan Guarente]

COBirders,

We have another fun event coming up on Oct 23/24.  Cut to the chase: https://earth.nullschool.net/#2023/10/24/0400Z/wind/isobaric/850hPa/orthographic=-104.14,43.74,1404/loc=-105.120,40.191 (10pm Oct 23; Green circle is Longmont, CO)

That map is one of the best examples of funneling or convergence I have seen.  Follow the winds backwards from CO and you can see that they are originating from the far north of Canada.  Anywhere along that track is where birds could join this parade toward CO.  Once they join the southern half of that main push, they will get funneled toward CO.  

So what's the catch... Well, this happens a little on the early side for the best migration to hit CO.  The timing of that map is 10pm, but as the night goes on, this pattern weakens.

Oct 24 2am: 

https://earth.nullschool.net/#2023/10/24/0800Z/wind/isobaric/850hPa/orthographic=-104.86,48.22,1404/loc=-105.120,40.191 (Green circle is Longmont, CO)

Oct 24 6am:

https://earth.nullschool.net/#2023/10/24/1200Z/wind/isobaric/850hPa/orthographic=-104.86,48.22,1404/loc=-105.120,40.191 (Green circle is Longmont, CO)

We should still see migrants on the move and they will likely concentrate on the Front Range south of Denver with the highest densities likely around Pueblo.  So if you are making plans to bird on Monday late or Tuesday any time, I would suggest heading toward the Pueblo area.  If you are like me and don't want to travel that far to bird, stay close to the Front Range and keep your eyes peeled on your local hotspot, as all places along the Front Range could see a good push of migrants.  

Hope to see you out there picking up the goodies,

Bryan

Bryan Guarente

Meteorologist/Instructional Designer

UCAR/The COMET Program

Boulder, CO