It may still feel like Winter to us, but Spring is right around the corner! As Spring approaches, millions of migratory birds will be traveling across the U.S. While most migratory birds will be seen in May here in Colorado, there are still thousands of birds traveling across the state every night.
Birds migrate across the U.S. and even across continents in search for more abundant resources, nesting habitat, and breeding. While scientists are not completely sure what mechanisms initiate migrating behavior, there are many triggers that can include day length, lower temperatures, changes in food supplies, and genetic predisposition.
Whether you are an adept birder or a beginner, this is a great time of year to get outdoors and do some birding. This may feel like a daunting task with hundreds of different species returning, but it’s also the best time to spot birds while leaves on deciduous trees have not come in and make it difficult to spot them amongst the foliage.
The art of birding is not necessarily about being able to identify every single species you see or hear, but rather to enjoy nature and be in the presence of such amazing creatures that spark your curiosity and want to learn more.
Here are sources and additional resources if you would like to learn more about bird migration:
- https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/the-basics-how-why-and-where-of-bird-migration/#:~:text=Birds%20migrate%20to%20move%20from,more%20about%20how%20migration%20evolved.
- https://rockies.audubon.org/birds/migration
- https://dashboard.birdcast.info/region/US-CO
- https://www.birdconservancy.org/
