Not the easiest job, skibby. I think if you are outside and can hear them, you'd stand a better chance of seeing them on a moonlit night. Waiting inside without hearing them, could be a long night. I've read that the best times (on a bright night) are dusk to midnight so bring supper with you. If I had a very open area to view them at night, I might investigate setting up a GoPro type of motion camera on a tripod outside that might capture a flock. But the moon moves as we rotate, so lighting is the big problem. To me, if one is at the shore, on a boat or in Montana where there is uninterrupted viewing, it's one of those magical moments in life to see night migration. I hope you do see a flock. It's fast when it happens. We were at the base of the Connecticut River in a boat awaiting a half-million swallows to swoop into the reeds for the night. I did get pictures, but it was fast. Let me know if you see the magic. Best of luck.

Nocturnal Migration - Colby College

Jane

Thank you Jane. That is great information. I didn't realize there was so much to it. I'll employee your suggestions.

I have no experience to share, skibby, but the reference Jane gives is a marvelous source. I didn't know about the difference in wind direction in high pressure systems vs. low pressure systems. When you need a tail wind to migrate it makes a huge difference.

An interesting visual aid for global winds is seen at this site. (I think Jane may have shared this a while back).

I hope you do see migrating birds - it's such a mind-boggling concept.

Claire

The photos I have seen of night migration were at landing points such as islands along the Atlantic flyways or the southern shore of Lake Erie where birds have been stopping to rest after a period of flying over water.

Thank you all for your information. I have yet to see any, but having all kinds of fun!

We have all those things here. For one thing, I've been waiting until too late at night. This information has triggered a desire to do a lot more reading, so thanks for that.