For those who visit ALLNORTHWOODS most of you know I was never a bird watcher or had much interest in birds. That changed when Monica suggested we add bird feeders to our yard. Surprisingly enough, we both enjoy seeing the different species outside our window.  Now we’re a little disappointed when the fall migration starts but are still glad there are certain species that do not head south for the colder weather, and some birds return for the winter.

That being said, three weeks ago, I was told there were many people on Facebook, saying the Hummingbirds have left the Northwoods. I guess the hummingbirds at our house haven’t gotten that memo yet. Even though we still see those incredible tiny birds on our feeder, I’m sure the hummers will be leaving our feeder too within a week or two. The fall migration is an interesting phenomenon that no one really has an answer to.

Every fall many birds start to fly south for the winter, so that part of migration is predictable. But then there are questions about birds migrating that even scientists don’t truly know the answer to. With the countless studies on migration, the outcome of those studies is just speculation. Even if a person is not into birds, migration is actually amazing. Will anyone ever figure out the why’s or how’s on migration?
The answer is NO.

Migration is one of nature’s great wonders and even if a person is not interested in birds, think about this. When do birds know it’s time to head south? How do birds know where to fly to? Why don’t birds migrate at the same time? Why do some species migrate at night, while others fly during the day? Why do juveniles depart at different times than adults?

Some research has pointed to shorter hours of daylight (PHOTOPERIOD) is what triggers the beginning of migration. Migrating birds increase their daily intake of food to accumulate fat reserves for the long flights, so those studies suggest it’s basically for survival.

Scientist have used banding, satellite tracking and radar technology as methods to learn more about migrating birds. It is said that birds use earth’s magnetic field to start their journey to find their winter home. The birds that fly during the night use stars and during day flights, birds use the sun and landmarks as a navigational tool. Then the birds that return to the same wintering ground year after year, have a homing instinct.

I guess it doesn’t matter about the migrations why’s and how’s if you’re not interested in birds, but next time you see birds flying south this fall, it gives you something to think about, right?