COLUMNS Bird Migration in May

Bird watchers I know look forward to May probably more than any other month because warblers and other birds are in their attractive breeding plumage as many of them pass through to their northern breeding grounds or remain here.

Some birds are permanent residents that have adapted to survive the cold winter months. But most of our birds do migrate, some further than others. While some might only migrate a few hundred miles to escape the worst of winter weather and food shortage, others migrate to us from as far as southern South America and back every year! The Blackpoll Warbler, not much larger than a Black-capped Chickadee, is able to fly 2,300 miles nonstop for 3-4 days to reach the higher elevations of the Adirondacks where it nests.

The distance migratory birds will travel varies by species. Hummingbirds, the smallest migrant, can travel non-stop as far as 600 miles—which is quite a long journey for such a tiny bird! One of the most impressive migrants is the Arctic Tern. Each year they fly more than 49,000 miles roundtrip—roughly equivalent to flying twice around the globe! They travel between breeding grounds in the Arctic and winter foraging areas in the waters off Antarctica.

Birds coming to us from the tropics are returning to their breeding grounds, where the days are longer and there is a greater abundance of food and space. Breeding in the heat of the tropics brings a different set of challenges to the success of the eggs and chicks. By migrating north, these species are moving to a more temperate climate to raise their delicate chicks.

Most songbirds migrate at night because the air is cooler, allowing them to fly farther without having to stop and cool down. The air also tends to be more stable to make their flight easier, and there are far less predators able to catch them when flying at night.

In North America migration is typically north-south, but there may be segments that are east- west. Most birds will avoid flying over water if possible. Birds will flock together because there is safety in their numbers.

All About Birds

Peggy Maslow North Shore Audubon Society

The larger the group, the more disorienting it can be for a predator like a Peregrine Falcon to focus on one individual bird. When they have landed, they can take turns watching for predators, so some can focus on eating or sleeping while others are on watch.

For birds flying in formation (like geese and cormorants), there is an interesting aerodynamic benefit to flying in a “V” formation. When positioned properly and flapping in sync, the birds save energy during flight.

Some birds are more flexible than others when it comes to the timing of their departure. There are many birds that are hardwired when to head north. It may depend on the length of the days. Birds that are traveling from as far as South America or Costa Rica have no way of knowing what the weather is like in the United States, so a milder winter here will have no way of affecting their arrival.

The more flexible species are those that winter here in the US and have a shorter distance to travel to their breeding grounds. They may sense the milder temperatures and opt to head north sooner. This includes species like the Red-winged Blackbird, American Woodcock, and Tree Swallow.

Migration is no easy feat. It is treacherous and birds face many hazards along the way, but there are ways we can help! It is estimated that up to 1 billion birds die each year from window collisions. At home, we can make our windows more easily visible and therefore avoidable for birds in flight. You can order decals online from one place, featherfriendly.com. Garvies Point Museum and Preserve uses their decals. Migration can be spellbinding to observe in hotspots like Central Park in New York City or in many places on Long Island. Go to a search engine and type in NY State birding trail and look up places to see birds on the map. Close to Manhasset try Sands Point Preserve and Science Museum of Long Island. You can a join bird walk group.

Look Up AMANDA OLSEN

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A number of astronomical events are taking place for the month of May. I recommend a star map application like Sky Map if you are just getting started and need a jump start nding celestial objects. Once you learn the basic constellations and asterisms (star groupings that are smaller than constellations, like the dippers) it will be easier to spot other astronomical phenomena. e further you can get from light pollution, the better your chances of observing these events, especially ones that are closer to the horizon or only dimly visible. If you’re up for a drive, the further east you go, the better your viewing will be, with Montauk being the ideal spot. It’s farthest from NYC and has an almost unobstructed view. e Custer Observatory in Southold is another great place to observe. ey are open for stargazing Saturdays during the summer from 9 p.m. to midnight. While the best views might be out east, local beaches often have decent views. Please note you are required to purchase a stargazing permit for state beaches, which is $30 and is only sold between January 1 and March 31, and then again in the fall from the Tuesday after Labor Day to December 31. Other spots may be subject to their own restrictions, so be sure to check with the appropriate governing body before heading out.

May 5, 6 - Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower. In the Northern Hemisphere, the rate can reach about 30 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust particles left behind by comet Halley, which has been observed since ancient times. e shower runs annually from April 19 to May 28. It peaks this year on the night of May 5 and the morning of May 6. e nearly full moon will obscure all but the brightest meteors. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will originate from the constellation Aquarius.

May 8- Venus at Highest such as North Shore Audubon Society which leads walks every Wednesday and Saturday in May. If you have any questions contact me at nsaudubonsociety.com.

Altitude in Evening Sky. Venus will reach its highest point in the sky for 2023. From New York City, Venus will be reasonably placed and prominent, reaching a peak altitude of 37° above the horizon at sunset.

May 29 - Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation. e planet Mercury reaches greatest western elongation of 24.9 degrees from the Sun. is is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise. In addition to these events, geomagnetic activity between solar particles and the Earth’s magnetic eld is producing strong, visible auroras as far south as North Carolina. Observing this elusive phenomena requires clear skies and a dark night, but if you are already out stargazing you may still see them.