Exploring a Phenomenon – Bird Migration

Like me, you might have wondered how bird migration works...

It’s an interesting concept and one full of questions – why do birds migrate? How do they do it? It’s incredible if you think about it. Some birds travel thousands of miles in search of a safe retreat. Let’s dive in and find out some more…

Why?

Birds are clever, some travel during seasons to take advantage of food offerings: landing in locations with an abundance of insects and fruits available to them in Spring and Summer, then moving along to a warmer climate in Winter when sources run dry.

Another reason for this phenomenon is breeding opportunities. Some birds migrate to places which offer a more suitable site to breed. This could be due to longer daylight hours, allowing more time for feeding and caring for their chicks, or it could be home to fewer predators and have more accessible nesting sites.

An interesting reason for migrating actually lies with evolution. Over thousands of years, many bird species have evolved to perform this behaviour as a survival strategy. This explains why birds instinctively know how to migrate; it is in their genetic makeup.

How?

Now this is fascinating! I discussed above how genetics play a big role, however there are many methods that birds use to successfully navigate their journey.

Many birds use the position of the sun during the day, and the stars at night to pinpoint their location. They can also sense the Earth’s magnetic field; another tool to assist them on their way.

Furthermore, some species rely on visual cues such as landmarks, to locate themselves. These could be particular coastlines or mountain ranges, for example.

Seabirds, in particular, use a captivating technique to assist in their migration: they rely on their sense of smell, a remarkable ability known as olfaction.

How can we play our part?

There are a few things that we can do to support migrating birds – this is especially important as their journeys are getting harder. With increasing threats including habitat loss, climate change and human activity, I am sure that these avians would appreciate a helping hand. Here are some suggestions:

• Install bird boxes – these give birds a same place to raise their chicks.
• Have a feeding station – offering a source of good-quality food can help birds recover after their long journeys.
• Provide a water source, such as a bird bath – this is important as it allows birds to safely drink and bathe.
• Close blinds or curtains to reduce light pollution – this will reduce light pollution, ultimately eliminating distraction for birds in flight.
• Limit plastic waste – this can negatively impact migrating species as it can end up in their habitats, and in very sad cases, get entangled or ingested by the bird.

So, next time you see a flock of geese gliding through the sky, or a fieldfare gracing your garden, take a moment to think about the incredible journey they've undertaken. And remember, whenever you can, lend nature a helping hand.

Written by Julianne Jessett