It begins as early as August and continues well into November. Their movements are gradual at first – quiet and almost unnoticeable. As we move through the autumn season, their activity becomes more urgent as they fill the skies above us and the many forests, fields, and waterways in the Shenandoah Valley. It’s the magic and mystery of the fall bird migration!
Many types of birds migrate, from large, majestic Bald Eagles to tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Most birds migrate from their breeding grounds in the north to their wintering grounds in the south because their food sources become scarce after nesting season is over. Birds migrate during the day and at night. On peak nights, millions of songbirds fly south after the sun goes down, stopping to rest and feed during the day. But their long-distance journeys are risky and dangerous, as they use a lot of energy flying great distances while at the same time trying to avoid collisions with buildings, bad weather, and predators. Another threat is the loss of birds’ habitats. Many habitats support birds so the presence of a variety of habitats is important for migratory birds’ survival. The South River Watershed provides different kinds of habitats so that migrating birds can rest, shelter from storms and predators, and drink and eat. Improvements to riverbanks and floodplains not only benefit human residents of the South River Watershed, but birds as well, even those just passing through!
Photo: Flock of Migrating Snow Geese