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I have noticed some new birds at my bird feeder lately. Do all of these birds migrate?
A: It really depends on the specific species. Most of our backyard feeder birds stay in the Okanagan all year. But many vacation down south for the winter. Migration is the way that some species adapt to seasonal changes as they move between breeding grounds. Age, sex, weather and the availability of food, water and shelter seem to be the major influences in migratory behaviour. Many birds will migrate to areas where the food supply is plentiful and the weather is mild. The spring season is a good time to look for migrating birds you might not normally see at your feeders and birdbaths in your yard.
Some birds migrate great distances and over large bodies of water. It is not uncommon for birds to lose one-fourth to one-half of their body weight during over-water migration. Birds that travel short distances do not lose as much weight, because they are not traveling long distances to forage for food. Over 100 species found in North America in the summer fly to Central and South America for the winter, some covering distances of nearly 11,000 kilometres.
Migration is a fascinating part of wild bird behaviour. Amazingly, birds migrate without the benefit of a compass or other navigational equipment. Some birds seem to migrate by orienting themselves by the stars at night if the sky is clear. Other birds seem to have a built in magnetic compass.
Migration is an extremely interesting bird phenomenon, requiring both physiological and behavioural changes, so our feathered friends can survive their often-gruelling trek. Birds accumulate fat prior to migration to help maintain their energy reserves. However sometimes these reserves are not enough. By providing food, water, and habitat, or shelter, in our own backyards, we can help the birds conserve and replenish their energy supply as they pass through our area during their journey. Enjoy the new feathered friends that may stop by. |
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