Indeed, cold arctic blasts associated with strong fronts/winds do absolutely drive uncommon and rare birds into our region as well as across the board throughout the US and Canada. And Europe for that matter. Depending on where the origin of the storm and strength/path of winds, one can be aware of what rarities to keep a lookout for. Folks are able to predict what species may be on the move or could likely show up. Most birders are keenly aware that keeping a close eye on large weather events will greatly increase the chances of, for example, good lake watching days for jaegers/gulls/waterfowl, passerine fallouts, hurricane "storm" birds, etc. This is a fantastic subject and one that deserves for more then this extremely short comment. But far and away, yes, being aware of major weather systems and how they affect birding opportunities is a key way to gain skills and knowledge base for rarities that you may seek. 





JB

CLE, OH





On Jan 6, 2014, at 4:34 PM, "Bill Whan" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:



> Matt--

>       That's a good question I haven't thought about. I don't think cold weather prompts unusual local arrivals of northern birds any more than hot weather does the same for southern birds. They are adapted to the weather extremes in their ranges. For example, we are probably not seeing this invasion of snowy owls because it is too cold up north. The important factor is food.

>       I don't think anyone can predict large incursions of birds based on weather alone, unless the weather affects food sources. Back in the late 19th century, Ohio and neighboring states experienced a winter invasion of thick-billed murres, which was thought to have been caused by a failure in an important food source for this species: I wrote an article for the Cardinal about this species, not seen here for many many years, in the Winter 2003-4 Ohio Cardinal. It seems similar factors may have been involved in the unprecedented (for humans at least) incursion of razorbills last winter, which appeared in large numbers as far south as Miami (see the new issue of North American Birds)! Many birders are aware of the extreme variations in the numbers of winter finches each winter, which seem to be influenced by varying seed crops in the northern forests. These seem to be the best factors we humans can use to predict occurrences so far ahead for birds of the north.

>       Extralimital occurrences happen for reasons we cannot always predict. We had a royal tern here near Columbus three years ago, but no one had any idea ahead of time that violent storms along the Gulf would sling one up this way in 2011.

>       So my answer would be we can't tell, and isn't that part of the intriguing mystery?

> Shivering,

> Bill

>    

> 

> 

> 

> Bill … Can you also pontificate on what types of birds might be coming down with the arctic weather we should be on the look out for?

> 

> Thanks!

> Matt

> 

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