Birding USA: The Annual Bird Migration

Mon, Jun 30th 2008, 00:00

The Alabama coastline is one of the top locations for bird viewing in the USA.


It is here that neotropical birds first find land after their 500 mile migration flights from the tropical regions of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

Springtime is prime birding season in Mobile Bay. People flock to places like Dauphin Island to experience the migration “fall out” when the huge flocks of birds begin to drop out of the sky seeking shelter after their long flight. The sheer size of these bird flocks is breathtaking.

Fall is also interesting. As early as July the birds begin to gather in larger and larger groups, building up energy and preparing for their long flight back south to the tropical climes.

Neotropical birds make up more than half of the bird population of the United States. Their annual migration is one of the miracles of nature. The birds need to double their body weight during the summer months to have enough body fat to fuel their journeys. The length of time these creatures spend in the air and the vast distances they travel is truly remarkable.

Neotropical birds are increasingly under threat as the forests that make up their habitat gets destroyed to make way for new developments and farmland. The number of sanctuaries along their migration routes are shrinking each year. After miles upon miles of flying, these birds find little to sustain them when they arrive at their traditional destinations.

Dauphin Island is a premium birding destination. There are a number of sanctuaries on the tiny island.

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