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Bird migration question


NYHuntFish
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This animated map is a little overwhelming for me to look at.

 

There are birds migrating in NA every month of the year. Raptors migrate south from late July into January. Some are moving north again by the end of February. Some, young birds mostly, won't get to their most northern summer range until early June. Adults head north earlier, driven by hormones and a need to get on their territories before another bird takes possession. Unless we know an individual, we assume that any adult golden eagle seen after the first of March is a migrant.

 

The males of some shorebird species that breed on the tundra contribute their genetics and then head south. They can be in NYS in June after having done their small bit to ensure the future of the species.

 

The peak of spring migratory activity for songbirds is May here. Waterfowl, most raptors and woodcock are earlier. Many arrive when snow is on the ground. With waterfowl, they may move north until they reach ice, then wait.

 

The migration back south tends to be more spread out (e.g.the aforementioned shorebirds) and has a lot to do with the breeding cycle and habits of each species.

 

There are long distance migrants and short distance migrants. Long distance migrants are more tied to the length of daylight. Short distance migrants respond to a large degree to ground and weather conditions.

Edited by Curmudgeon
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