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        Daily Chat >> General Posts >> Spring Migration
        
(Message started by: George_J on Mar 6^th, 2008, 10:23am)

Title: Spring Migration
Post by George_J on Mar 6^th, 2008, 10:23am

Seems the spring migration has begun. I spent some time early this morning trying to track down an unfamiliar birdsong in my neighborhood--some sort of warbler, most likely, but not one that I knew. No luck--those little guys are sometimes hard to spot.

Most small passerine birds migrate at night. On still nights when the restlessness of migration is upon them, you can sometimes go outside at two or three in the morning and hear the calls of thousands of unseen small birds passing overhead. If you've never heard it, it's a remarkable thing--like hearing the planet breathe.

It's a small thing, I suppose, amid all our human concerns and priorities. Nevertheless, I believe that it's good to remind ourselves that the world is not simply a stage for our activities, but a thing that is more mysterious, and much larger than we are.

All the best,

George

Title: Re: Spring Migration
Post by Angie on Mar 6^th, 2008, 10:50am

Thanks George

I did not know small birds Migrate at night. Our first sign of spring here is when we see the Red Breasted Robin.

Looking forward to that.

Title: Re: Spring Migration
Post by Paul98 on Mar 6^th, 2008, 11:00am

Nice post George.

I too have noticed the beginnings of spring. Canada Geese are starting to be on the move. Love the sound. When in full swing on a moon lit night I hear them overhead wave after wave, some so close you hear the buzzing of their wingtip feathers. 1000's of them!

-P.

Title: Re: Spring Migration
Post by brewcrew on Mar 6^th, 2008, 11:28am

Most of the Canada geese in these parts seem to have forgotten how to migrate. They just hang around all year long, sharing the contents of their bowels with everyone.

I always look forward to the first oriole of the season.

Title: Re: Spring Migration
Post by Kevin_M on Mar 6^th, 2008, 11:53am

Nice post, George.

We have the northern hemisphere migrations here, snow birds follow the pole star this time of year heading back from Florida to Michigan.

I'm not up at the northern cottage this early in the year, probably might catch some of that quiet eeriness from above in the still, clear skies.

I like hearing the robin's song again, should be soon.

Title: Re: Spring Migration
Post by RichardN on Mar 6^th, 2008, 12:45pm

Here on the Cumberland Plateau in Tn., we are on the "fly-way" for several species.

Have heard geese headed north last couple of days . . . I frequently get to see them stop their "V" formation, start circling as if they're deciding on a new navigator/leader . . . then reform and start off again . . . neat to watch.

About 14 years ago, my wife and a good friend were enjoying the approaching sunset and campfire behind our barn . . . which is where the horseshoe pits were . . . players were gone and we were about to head to the house when we were fortunate to see massive waves of robins headed north. They seemed to be separated by 3-5 miles, and each "cloud" of birds contained thousands . . . . we watched at least six waves until it got too dark to see them. Every year I hope to see that again.

I'm hoping my scissor-tail barn swallows return this year. We've been at this house 10 years, and have enjoyed raising these birds in my garage/shop. Five years ago, had ten nests . . . raised at least 80 birds . . . have seen many first flights . . . makes visitors nervous when they fly around corners and zip by your face within inches . . .lol.
Have been concerned tho' . . . have fewer and fewer returning. Last year only had three pair return . . . only one next active . . . and I don't think any of them survived. Will know in a few weeks if they come back this year

Love our bird feeders . . . the variety we attract always keeps us searching the bird links to identify.

Dogs + Birds = Less Stress

Be Safe,

Richard

Title: Re: Spring Migration
Post by Mosaicwench on Mar 6^th, 2008, 12:46pm

Not unlike the Canada Geese, we have a flock of Robins that has hung around all winter. I don't know how in the world they survived this snowy winter but they are still here.

The Great Horned Owls have clammed up after hooting through January and February - that usually means they are sitting on eggs.

The hawks (both Cooper's and Red Tails) are more active now that the squirrels and rabbits are out and about.

Like Brew, I'm looking forward to the first Oriole or Rose-breasted Grosbeak to signal the end of winter.

Title: Re: Spring Migration
Post by midwestbeth on Mar 6^th, 2008, 6:19pm

Canadian Geese never leave here either. We had an ice and snow storm pass through the last few days. Schools were canceled and I stayed home. Heard the geese squaking outside and took this pic. This pair have been here for a few years. I think they might be mating age this year.
http://i25.tinypic.com/xo2i9v.jpg

Title: Re: Spring Migration
Post by mummymac on Mar 7^th, 2008, 2:49am

on 03/06/08 at 10:23:44, George_J wrote:

it's a remarkable thing--like hearing the planet breathe.

I am at work and really should not be posting but ......

That is one of the most beautiful things I have heard said in a long time, I love it .

I have never heard the planet breathe, all we seem to have is lots and lots of seaguls and starlings.

I want to see these magic things you are all talking about.

It needs to go on to my bucket list