American Robin |
September sets in the middle of fall migration, capturing a little of everything. In Florida, there are more birds around than any other time of the year. Among the southbound migrants are many new travelers, most only a few months old. Resident bird populations swell as parents encourage their youngsters to find a place of their own.
Songbird migration peaks in late September and early October. For many species, migration is a nocturnal affair, often riding favorable winds that follow cold fronts. Flying in darkness helps avoid predators, but it has its difficulties. Without the benefit of sight, flocks keep together by using flight calls. Find a quiet place on a good flight night and you may hear dozens or even hundreds of “zeets”, “chips”, and buzzes overhead. With some practice, and the right resources, you might be able to identify who’s who. To learn more, check out my new Flight Calls resources page. Don’t be discouraged, even the experts can’t recognize them all!
Shortly after dawn, migrants descend to rest and eat. You can find them in local parks, your back yard, or anywhere there is sufficient food, shelter, and water. For tips on where to look, check for local hotspots on eBird. Check with clubs like the Audubon Society which often lead local birding trips. Better yet, ask me. I can tell you the best places near you, if you are from Florida! Better still, book a trip with me, and I’ll show you in person and give you tips on where, when, and how to find migrants.
I hope you enjoy September as much as I do and I hope to see you out there.
Excellent news letter, David! I will be looking forward to more in the future. And I will get the word out to other birders that may not be aware of this excellent page.
ReplyDeleteWow! David and Dee! TERRIFIC!! This is going to the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary right nowwww! Thank you for including me, Barbara
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