Fall Migration

by Molly Robertson

Approximately 33 million birds are passing over Fairfield County this fall as they migrate to warmer climates, where they can find food and escape the coming cold weather. Most birds migrate at night, beginning their journey an hour after sunset, with the greatest number flying 2 to 3 hours later. Migrating birds typically fly up to 10,000 feet. Last October 6, a migration record was broken when 1.2 billion birds took to the air!

Do you ever wonder how the birds can fly thousands of miles in the dark and find their way to their winter nesting grounds? Scientists say birds employ several different tools to find their way. Birds use the positioning of the stars and landmarks like the New England coastline to guide them. Scientists also believe birds have a unique sense that allows them to use the earth’s magnetic field, a fascinating aspect of bird migration, to maintain their course when visual cues are limited. Finally, scientists believe birds have an internal biological clock that helps them adjust migration based on the time of day. Birds encounter many hazards along their migration journey, like bad weather, habitat loss, predators, human structure strikes, and bright lights at night.​ Despite these challenges, the beauty of bird migration is a sight to behold, a true miracle of nature that occurs right over our heads every night.