Cornell University : Cornell Cooperative Extension

Migrating Birds
By, Sheri Mochamer

November 14, 2001

Here it is, the middle of November, and sounds of geese honking can still be heard. Are those Canada geese ever going to go south? Isn't it time for all birds to migrate? Where do the birds go when they migrate?
Migration is the seasonal movement of animals to a new habitat. Many species of birds, but not all, migrate from southern areas beginning in early spring to feed and breed in northern areas during summer. The exact reasons for migration are not fully understood, but scientists know that availability of food is a major reason for this movement. Those birds that eat insects must move to climates where there are insects available in winter. Seed eating birds do not need to move dramatically, if at all, because seeds can be available all year round. This article will focus on four birds that migrate: Canada geese, American Robins, Eastern Bluebirds and Cedar Waxwings.

Canada geese (that's right, it's "Canada", not "Canadian") can be seen flying in a typical "V" formation over our part of New York in spring and again in fall. But what about those that seem to be flying north in fall, or at least east to west? Why aren't they going farther south like their brothers?

Most of these Canada geese spend their breeding time in Northern Canada so New York State is "south" for some of these birds. They like seeds and can be seen in large flocks each winter in farmer's fields feeding on freshly sprouted winter wheat or corn left over after harvest. Many do go farther south, as far south as Texas and Florida only stopping long enough to feed when food is plentiful. The largest migrating formations are often seen during the onset of cold fronts. No one wants to be caught in a snow storm. Warm sunny weather slows the migration down.

Some Canada geese over winter well in New York and Pennsylvania. Also, there have been successful management efforts by state and federal agencies to create refuges and feeding areas for geese. Because these places are along traditional migration routes, and food has been plentiful, these birds' habits have been altered. These birds do not fly farther south for winter. In some places, the birds have become quite a nuisance to farmers, golf courses, city reservoirs and recreational lakes.

Recently we have witnessed an increasingly number of geese that breed locally. These "local" geese often over winter here too. As time marches on, these "local" geese may loose their migrating instincts, if they haven't already. This is worrisome to some officials due to the year-round nuisance effect mentioned above

American Robins are a great harbinger of spring, as are the Canada geese.Everyone looks forward to the return of the robins knowing that spring is just a short time away. They mostly eat earthworms and insects so they must go to warmer climates in fall and winter. Some robins are permanent residents as close as Washington, D.C. while others can travel as far south as Florida and Mexico. A few have been known to winter in our area but that number is quite small. Their summer breeding places can be as far north as northern Canada.

The Eastern Bluebird, New York's state bird, is a migrator too. Like the American Robin, the Eastern Bluebird is in the thrush family and eats insects. While some bluebirds have been seen in New York during winter months, most migrate to places south of the Mason-Dixon line and along southern Appalachian Mountains. Like American robins, some spend their summers in northern Canada!

The Cedar Waxwing loves to eat berries and fruits. In fall, it can be seen in large flocks traveling from Mountain Ash to Mountain Ash devouring the bright orange berries. They do not travel in a typical north-south pattern as part of their migration route. Because of this habit, Cedar Waxwings are known as roamers or wanderers. They travel in flocks, usually, and can show up anywhere at anytime. Their winter "territory" extends from just north of the Great Lakes to Texas and Florida while their summer places range from the middle of the United States north well into Canada.

All migrating birds need certain things for their travel. Food and water is of utmost importance. Wetlands are important for all birds, especially those that migrate, even if they are not water birds. Wetlands provide water and food as well as protection for the migratory birds. Many birds will migrate in flocks. The larger number of birds act as protectors for each other, and in the case of Canada geese, help each other with flying. The "V" formation is aerodynamically efficient and leaders are changed frequently so the lead bird does not tire out more than the others.

Mysteries remain about bird migration. How do they know where to go and what is the signal to move from place to place? How do the birds know where they were hatched and how do they know they are supposed to go there each year? When birds migrate, it is a wonderful time to watch them and identify them. There are many resources that can be used to assist with bird watching and identification. Books can be obtained from the local libraries and there is a plethora of material online! Cornell has an Ornithology Department and you can check their web site by going to http://birds.cornell.edu

Master Gardener volunteers are one of the community outreach programs provided by your Cornell Cooperative Extension. Yates County Master Gardeners are available to assist with your yard and garden questions. Please call the Cooperative Extension Office at 315-536-5123 leaving your name, phone number, and a time we can contact you with the results of our research to your question.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Yates Association
Last updated: 11/13/01

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