[Tweeters] Full Moon and Bird Migration Counting Methods

[Dennis Paulson]

Dan, I participated in those counts long ago when I lived in Miami. As I recall. we counted birds only that crossed the face of the moon, and we recorded where they entered and left the orb using it as a clock face. With the time and location known, researchers could calculate the exact direction of the bird’s flight. It was really fun, with identifiable birds or types of birds often going past. I recall Green Herons, for example. We also got to hear the calls of many nocturnal migrants.

Dennis Paulson
Seattle


> On Dec 1, 2023, at 1:52 AM, Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com> wrote:

> 

> Hello all,

> I am seeking information regarding how Bird migration counters in the past counted birds crossing the full moon.

> Also, did they count birds seen crossing near the moon or just in front of the moon?

> Were counts also done during other moon phases?

> These questions arise for me, because I was recently filming the full moon in the Skagit valley after dark, with within one hour after sunset, at 100-600 mm.

> When I later viewed the video clips on my computer screen, I was able to clearly see the silhouettes of large numbers of birds migrating south, crossing in front of the moon, and many more visible within several degrees of the moon. Most appeared to be Cackling geese, but I am not certain.

> It was very neat to see.

> 

> Thank you,

> Dan Reiff, PhD

> 

> Sent from my iPhone

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