Why do birds migrate?

Now that we have finally gotten into the fields to harvest here in Southern Alberta, we hope that fall will last a long time and that winter is a long way off. There is no doubt however that it certainly is fall, with the crisper nights and the already shortening days. Soon we will see large flocks of birds migrating south for the winter.

Migration is an amazing sight, particularly when you are driving across the prairies in the fall. Often times you can see many flocks of all sorts of different birds flying overhead. The flocks that seem most common to us here on the farm are the snow geese that travel in very large flocks through the area in the fall and spring. We are definitely on their migratory path.

When you see these flocks in the air, you can't help but wonder how do birds know when to migrate? The articles on this subject vary but many experts (source: Lincoln, Frederick C., Steven R. Peterson, and John L. Zimmerman. 1998. Migration of birds. U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. Circular 16. 113pp.) believe that birds have a natural hormonal cycle. A change in the day length in the fall affects bird hormone levels causing birds to eat more and build up fat. These hormones also cause them to molt, thus ensuring that birds have fresh flight feathers for the migration journey. It also appears that the hormone level changes cause birds to become restless and ready to move on.

Some, but not all, birds will migrate at night. Many smaller birds do this and it is believed that this is to avoid enemies and secondly to allow the birds to feed during the day when more food is available to them.

So how do birds know where to go? It appears that this varies from bird species to bird species. However, in general, birds who only migrate short distances seem to learn the route from other more experienced birds, while birds that travel long distances seem to have an innate ability to determine where they need to migrate to. Studies show that some birds appear to navigate according to stars. However, some birds will travel even on a cloudy night so the earth's magnetic fields, the location of the setting sun, topographic features of the landscape (coastlines, rivers, mountain ranges, for example),and prevailing wind patterns are all possibly used as cues for migration.

So what does migration mean for backyard bird feeders? Well during the seasons of spring and fall you may see birds in your yard that you do not regularly see. These weary travellers will likely be looking for a well-stocked feeder or fresh water to help them make it through the next phase of their journey.

Weird weather - what's next?

OK we have suffered through a miserable August and September here in Southern Alberta. Hardly any of our crop is harvested and much of it is languishing out in the field wet and on the verge of sprouting. Now I hear it is going to be 25 degrees on Saturday and nice for the rest of the week. Now that is what we need on the farm to get crops off. This weird weather does make me wonder though what is coming next for fall.

October is usually a time of year when many birds start migrating. Will this weird weather throw them off? Have they started migrating already? I haven't seen our snow geese come through our fields yet. Every year we have a huge number of snow geese migrate through this area - we are definitely on their flight path. It is a wonderous sight to see.

More on bird migration - next time.

So Who Are You Feeding Anyway? Squaring off against the squirrels

They are cute alright, but these innocent looking bandits can make away with your bird seed and rob you of the pleasure of communing with your favorite birds. So how do you foil these furry critters? Here are a few tips on how to discourage the squirrels from camping out at your bird feeder.

Baffle 'em with a baffle: A baffle is a dome shaped cover that typically hangs over the top of your feeder and prevents squirrels from accessing the seed. Remember, though, that squirrels can jump quite a distance so unless your feeder is very isolated and high off the ground, this may not be an effective solution.

Beat them with technology: You can find feeders that are weight activated that will eliminate access to the seed if a heavy enough animal (aka squirrel) steps on the perch. You can also find feeders that are caged. This allows small birds to access the seed and protects them from cats and predatory birds, while protecting the seed from squirrels.

Make it hot: Mammals can taste the hot sensation in chili peppers but birds can not. Using the same principle that we use in our Pine Tree Farms Hot Pepper Suet, you could add a little cayenne pepper to your bird seed. It may convince the squirrels to find another food source.

If you can't beat them, join them: In the spirit of good will to all, you could just decide to feed the squirrels too. In that case, find yourself a nice squirrel feeder and place it somewhere in your yard that is a long ways away from your other feeders. Provide corn or nuts and you will have happy squirrels.