In this section we’ll explore some of the migrations made annually.

From the Arctic Circle to the Antarctic Circle

We’ll start with the most impressive migration; the Arctic Tern. This tenacious bird flies from one end of the earth to the other. And it does it every year! The birds migrate 30,000 km from Greenland to the Weddell Sea. They hatch in summer in the North, in the Arctic Circle and avoid the frozen winters by migrating south. As you can imagine the sound of thousands of birds in the colony is extremely noisy. However, just before the migration starts all the birds fall silent. This eerie event is known as “dread”. 

After dread all the birds abandon their nests and fly together. Artic Tern mate for life and their lives are up to 30 years long. Whilst at sea they feed off ocean fish. Their lightweight bodies are ideal for gliding on the ocean breeze, and they can even sleep whilst gliding along. This is ideal, because there are not many places to stop to rest on this epic migratory route.

Canada Geese North America Migrations

The sight of a V formation of migratory geese is iconic. Typically Canadian Geese travel 2,000 to 3,000 miles to return to the place they hatched from to mate and rear the next generation of goslings.  Little goslings have to learn quickly! Before they are even 1 day old their parents will lead them to water to learn how to swim and dive.  By their 2nd or 3rd month they will have learned how to fly too. Canada geese are known to be violent protectors of their offspring. You may have seen a goose honking, hissing or flapping its huge wings to scare of a potential threat. 

Not all Canada geese migrate. Some live in climates that are temperate enough year round and they’re quite happy where they are. Most however will migrate south from their colder northern habitats. Their normal environments of water where they fish for food may freeze over in winter. This forces the birds to migrate south to warmer climates.

Flamingo migration to Mumbai

Every year between October and March flocks of Flamingos migrate to Mumbai. Congregating mainly in the Navi Mumbai creek, they are also spotted in Thane creek, Vasai, and Panju Island. The sight of tens of thousands of pink flamingos in the wetlands of Mumbai is truly a sight to behold.  The birds migrate annually from Rajasthan and Pakistan to breed. During the covid pandemic with the human population on lockdown, causing less disturbances to the bird’s natural habitat, even more birds flocked to the area. Plus the bird’s food source was found to be more plentiful due to a decrease in industrial waste and an increase in domestic waste, allowing algae to flourish too.

As much as 25% more flamingos were sighted in 2020 than previous years. Bombay Natural History Society estimated 150,000 flamingos migrated to Mumbai in 2020. Whilst the lockdown and pandemic was a terrible ordeal for residents, they could observe and photograph them from a distance. And really this is the best way to enjoy and respect nature anyway.

European Swifts’ African Migration

Swifts can be found throughout Europe and Asia.  It is reported that there are somewhere between 20 and 30 million pairs of Swifts in Europe. Many fly to the UK to breed in late spring before migrating across France and Spain then spend winter in Africa. The sheer distances these birds travel is astonishing. You may find the rafters of your house or balcony is a nesting site for a pair of swifts who will return year after year.

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Pacific Flyway:

The Pacific Flyway runs down the left hand side of Canada, the United States and Central America. Birds can migrate along this route from the Arctic Tundra all the way down to the South American wetlands. In fact, it’s estimated that 1 billion birds traverse this route every year.

Central Flyway:

The Central Flyway runs down the East side of the Rockies from Canada to Colorado, then running down through Texas into Mexico. 

Mississippi Flyway:

The Mississippi  Flyway is a huge network of tributaries from all over the northern parts of Canada and America, often following river paths down into the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers towards the Gulf of Mexico. Migratory paths often follow river flows due to their provision of food and habitation en route.

Atlantic Flyway:

The Atlantic Flyway runs down from the Eastern side of North America down past the Caribbean.

Where can you go to see major migrations of birds?

Rio Grande Valley

The Rio Grande Valley is renowned for it’s huge diversity of bird species. Since so many ecological environments make up the Lower Rio Grande Valley from woodland to coast to forest. It is where two major migratory corridors pass – the Central and the Mississippi. Over 500 different types of bird have been identified throughout the valley. There is a vast and wonderful array of resident bird species. Local birds include the Great Kiskadee, Green Jay and Altamira Oriole. Olive sparrows, Green and Ringed Kingfishers, Plain Chachalaca, Brown Pelican and Buff-Bellied Hummingbird is just a small selection of birds you might spot.

In the fall, there is an influx of raptors. These include Mississippi Kites, Broadwinged Hawks, Vermillion Flycatchers and American Kestrels. In winter you’ll see a lot of migratory birds since the temperatures are relatively mild in the Rio Grande Valley. Geese, ducks, and cranes are regularly spotted. Springtime birders will likely see Long billed Thrashers too. Visit the Wold Birding Centre to find out what events are happening when you make your visit!   

Point Reyes National seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore in California is truly a spectacular place. More than half of America’s Native species of bird have been sighted here. Coastal and ocean birds such as Albratross, Grebes, Loons, Petrels, Shearwaters, Boobies, Gannets, Cormorants, Herons, Bitterns, Ibis, Strokes, Swan and Geese are common place. You might also see Turkey Vultures, Peregrine Falcons, Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, hawks, osprey and kites. 

Not only will you come across a wide range of birds but there is an interesting array of wildlife. Mammals include Elf,  coyote, red fox, fallow deer, racoon, black bear, badgers, skunks, mice, voles, rats, jackrabbits, weasels and otters. In the water you’ll see Northern Elephant Seals, Californian Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Northern Fur Seals and Guadalupe seals. For non furry mammals there’s blue, humpback, minke, sperm, killer and beaked whales. Plus dolphins and porpoises.  

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