Have you noticed a lot of bird activity
at your house recently? I certainly have. Lots of different types of birds
very busily collecting seeds from this summer's flowers, and scratching
around in the fallen leaves. You can tell that the seasons are
changing and preparations are happening for the cold weather that
will soon be upon us.
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How can you find and observe birds during the
months of fall? Which birds migrate?
Birds migrate to be sure they can find
enough food to feed themselves throughout the year. For birds whose
breeding grounds are in climates that receive snow or frigid
temperatures this means that many have to travel to warmer areas.
Migrating is a very difficult task, and many birds do not make the
trip. This time of year birds are bulking up so that they will
have the energy stores to fly hundreds to tens of thousands of miles to their
winter habitat.
Neotropical Migratory Birds
are those that spend their spring and summer in Canada or the United
States and the winter in warmer places like Mexico, Central and South
America, or the Caribbean. There are many species in North America
that fall into this category. As migration is difficult, actions like
the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act are in place to aid
in conservation efforts and maintain our avian populations.
How can you observe bird migration?
Migration forecasts are available through Cornell with their BirdCast site. You may also live in one of the
regions recognized as a migration flyway. Birds don't just fly
straight south- there are 4 major flyways
in the United States that many
bird species follow. You can also visit eBird and find where certain species have
been spotted in your area.
Observing the migration of hawks is
very popular and there are many sites devoted to this. You can find
information and data at the Hawk Migration Association of North America and HawkCount sites.
Ruby Throated Hummingbird ©SBF |
Tracking wildlife is not always easy,
although the data being compiled about bird migration is improving
all the time. Between technological advances such as transmitters and
GPS, and the work of citizens through programs like eBird and Project Feederwatch, we have a clearer picture of where birds are
and where they are going.
Click on the links below to learn more
about bird migration, some great book suggestions for children, and
resources and lesson plans about bird migration! What have you been
observing in nature? Comment below!
Read more:
- Cornell: "The Basics of Bird Migration: How, Why and Where"
- Cornell: "Where Can I Go To Watch Hawk Migration?"
- Audubon: "Tracking Birds' Migration Paths Online"
- Audubon: "Unlocking Migration's Secrets"
- NY Times: "Flight Paths"
Bird Migration Resources:
- BirdCast
- eBird
- Project Feederwatch
- Neotropical Migratory Bird Fact Sheet
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Bird Migration Educational Materials
- NY Times Learning Network- On The Fly: Studying Bird Migration and Behavior
- Migration Science and Mystery Lessons
- International Migratory Bird Day Educators Supplemental Material
This is a great migration unit study. Thank you for sharing.
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