Spring Migration: Keep Your Eyes to the Sky!

As our days begin to grow longer, the first signs of spring are quietly starting to emerge. One of the earliest and most audible signs is the return of our feathered friends who call Park City home for the warmer months of the year. Every year in North America, billions of birds embark on an incredible journey to migrate from their wintering habitat to their summer breeding grounds.

Despite their remarkable ability to travel vast distances, these avian adventurers face increasing threats along the way. A 2018 study from Cornell University found that 76% of birds crossing the US southern border return to the US for Spring each year. Habitat loss, climate change, light pollution, and collisions with manmade structures all pose serious threats to migrating birds. Although some of the threats occur naturally, it is important that humans do our part to reduce the obstacles and threats birds face to help them during this challenging time.

One of the most significant threats to migrating birds is habitat loss. As urban development expands and agricultural practices intensify, the places birds rest and refuel are increasingly destroyed or degraded. Additionally, climate change poses serious consequences for birds. Altered weather patterns and rising temperatures can disrupt migration timing and food availability. Some birds may arrive at their breeding grounds too early or too late, missing optimal conditions for nesting. Additionally, extreme weather events, like storms and droughts, can directly impact bird populations. To offset these challenges and support birds, take time to create bird-friendly spaces around your home. Planting native species in your garden and landscaping can provide food and shelter to birds.

While light pollution is often associated with urban environments, its effects stretch far beyond city limits. Artificial lights confuse and disorient migratory birds, especially at night. Many birds migrate under the cover of darkness, using the stars and natural light cues to guide their way. In areas where city light shine too brightly, birds can become disoriented and confused, which can result in exhaustion, collisions with buildings, and even death. During migration seasons, turn off unnecessary lights at night. You can also add window films, screens, or other materials designed to make glass windows more visible to birds and reduce bird collisions.

Migratory birds play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, pollinating plants, and controlling insect populations. It’s important that we do our part to help support their incredible journey. Join us at the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter for a Saturday morning nature walk or during open hours (Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 4pm) to spot some of these hardy travelers! Whether they are stopping by on their journey or staying for the summer months, we can’t wait to see which birds join us during migration this year! 

Other Naturalist News

Loss of Beaver Population Next to Swaner EcoCenter

Between March 23 and April 2, five dead beavers were discovered near the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter by Swaner staff. All five beavers shared one lodge outside the EcoCenter, and samples collected from one of the beavers tested positive for tularemia.

Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter Welcomes New Executive Director

We are thrilled to announce our new executive director, Lewis Kogan. Learn more about his impressive career and excitement to join the organization.

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