Seasonal Bird Migration

Seasonal Migration Is Nature’s Gift to Birdwatchers

Each spring millions of songbirds make the arduous journey from their wintering grounds in Central and South America to our backyards and parks here around Kansas City, and then north to their breeding grounds. Their timing and motives for this venture are simple: food becomes plentiful here in spring and less competition from other birds up north equals higher reproductive success, thus making the dangerous flight worthwhile. Towards the end of summer however, the breeding season wraps up for many species of migratory birds, and they heed the call to return south to their winter homes. Unlike the spring when all our feathery summer friends seem to show up around the same time, migration in the fall is oftentimes spread out, with each month bringing a whole new dynamic to the local park and backyard bird scene.

These changes are often first evident in late summer. By this time of year, the cycle of breeding, nesting, and nurturing young has been completed and birds begin to disperse from their breeding territories. For a brief period in late July and August, birdwatchers may be able to observe summer birds in their yard that may not have nested there, making for some fun and interesting sightings. In addition to this post-breeding dispersal, late summer is also when Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin their southwardly migration. These showstoppers continue to cycle through the Kansas City area in good numbers until mid-September and a few may trickle in until late October, where they can be seen visiting feeders or native plants, gathering energy for the long journey ahead.

By late August, Warblers, which are some of the most sought-after songbirds, arrive. Though not showing off their spring mating plumage and song skills, a glimpse of a Warbler is always a delight, even more so if he chooses to share his song. The first wave of Warblers in Kansas City often includes American Redstarts, Canada Warblers, and Wilson’s Warblers, all of which can be found hopping in bushes, dense vegetation, and trees through the end of summer. By October, be on the lookout for bouquets of Nashville Warblers and Orange-crowned Warblers alighting in nearby parks

and possibly stopping at backyard feeders and birdbaths! October also brings the Yellow-rumped Warbler, here to stay for winter.

Just like the Yellow-rumped Warbler, many other winter birds will be back in early autumn. Dark-eyed Juncos and White-throated Sparrows will once again dominate the ground game, pecking at Deluxe Blend Seed Mix from a ground or platform feeder. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers will devour Peanut Sensation Suet Cake from a suet feeder. Redbreasted Nuthatches will search for Bark Butter, peanuts, and mealworms. Pine Siskins may flock with American Goldfinches to munch on Finch Blend Seed Mix from a finch feeder. As the upcoming weeks unfold, a variety of different birds may stop by area backyards, especially those yards with a water source. To aid in identification of these wondrous beauties, the Merlin Bird ID app is a good place to start, along with its partner app, eBird, which allows one to see where different bird species have been seen in the area and can be used to track the migration pattern of a given population during a specific time frame. The Merlin ID app has both a photo and sound ID feature, perfect for identifying those migrating Warblers! For those interested in observing the spectacle of migration beyond their yard or neighborhood, there are a variety of migration “hotspots” in which birds congregate on their journey south. Convocations of Bald Eagles and skeins of Snow Geese pass through Loess Bluffs in northwest Missouri. At Shawnee Mission Park in Lenexa Kansas, and Minor Park in south Kansas City, just about every species of Warbler that regularly visits the area can be found together at the same time. Clinton Lake, outside of Lawrence, Kansas is great spot to watch the colonies of Franklin’s Gulls that migrate through each October, as well as many species of sparrows.

Fall migration is one of the most interesting and exciting times for birdwatching! We encourage you to join a bird-walk (Wild Birds Unlimited of Leawood hosts regular bird-walks!), offer a variety of bird foods to attract a greater variety of migrating birds, and feature a source of fresh water to bring the joy of birdwatching right to your own backyard. Happy birding!

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow Warbler

WILL KIRSCH Birding Expert

Wild Birds Unlimited Team Member, Will Kirsch is an avid birder, and is eager to share his expertise. You may reach him at the Leawood location, 11711 Roe Avenue, 913-491-4887.