Nature Connection: The Magic Of Migration

 According to the National Geographic Society, migration may be defined as “the seasonal movement of animals from one habitat to another in search of food, better living conditions, and reproductive needs.” This is a simple definition of a complex process, but it tells the gist of the story in a compact way.

 Living on a spit of sand sticking out into the Atlantic Ocean, we Cape Codders are privy to the annual migratory patterns of more birds than mammals perhaps, but we will soon be in the midst of a huge shift of seasonal populations. This shift includes far more than birds. Whales, dolphins, fish, crabs; all make moves to warmer waters, though some distances are much shorter or longer than others.

 Some of the signs of fall migrations are obvious, such as the exodus of our summer visitors sitting in traffic waiting to go over the bridges for their return to the mainland. These often begin in mid-August, but they aren’t the only ones finishing up their summer lives. While people close up cottages to return to again, many of our other migrants simply abandon their nests as they will build new ones when they return next year.

 Many birds begin to gather in flocks as they finish up their parenting duties. The juvenile birds usually join them, and they descend en masse into fields, marshes, beaches or dunes to feed and bulk up for their long trip south. Most people are familiar with the long lines of starlings and other blackbirds on utility wires, but swallows are also found resting on wires at this time of year in large numbers.

 While most blackbirds forage for seeds, worms, grubs and various arthropods wherever they are, including roadsides, backyards and the narrow strips of vegetation in parking lots, swallows prefer fields, marshes and dunes. Flying insects are plentiful now and the swallows happily gobble up as many of them as they can. This includes mosquitoes, so when you see swallows on the wing, give them a hearty wave of appreciation. As the fall begins to cool and the insect populations diminish, swallows will gather in dune areas where they will feast on fatty bayberries. The fat will give them added energy and bulk for their long flights.

 While we are still enjoying beach time, shorebirds are busy flocking by the thousands to their favorite spots, usually away from human crowds, to feed and rest and prepare for the next segment of their journey. Although we have some shorebirds that nest here, many of the birds that are arriving here now — such as black-bellied plovers, ruddy turnstones and whimbrels — nest in the arctic. They begin their migration south in July, and some will stay here for a month or so before continuing on. They feed on marine worms, small crustaceans, fish and even mollusks, depending on their species.

 Many of our nesting songbirds are only summer visitors, and some have already left quietly. Towhees, orioles, catbirds, hummingbirds, as well as common yellow throated warblers and yellow warblers, will soon be leaving us. Some will stay into October, even November, but others have already departed.

 If you go fishing, you know that fish are migratory as well. Many, including striped bass and even sharks, move around quite a bit but will leave our area for good as the water cools. The whales and dolphins will head south as well, though some dolphins may remain in the area year-round. Seals migrate, especially harbor seals, though more and more we are seeing gray seals here all year. 

 Nature watchers love this time of year because you never know what you’ll see when you head out your door. Vagrants show up here regularly, but even if you never spot an unusual bird, there are plenty of other birds to become familiar with, especially those with changing plumages. This is a great time to join a bird walk or go with a friend who may have more identification skills, especially if you are looking at shorebirds.

 You may have noticed that egrets and herons are gathering in quiet, marshy areas to feed and roost. Many of these are young birds, but as the season progresses you may find all sorts of surprises feeding right alongside them. Keep watch for glossy ibises, little blue herons and even tri-colored herons as well as bitterns.

 Migration is as old as time. It is a way to take advantage of seasonal fluctuations, and most humans were nomadic until fairly recently. Climate change is causing droughts, wildfires and flooding in different parts of the world but war is also creating havoc among humans. Many are fleeing dire circumstances, hoping to find welcome in their new homes. This will only increase in the years to come if something isn’t done very soon to put a halt to the causes.

 Back in the day the Canada geese gathered in late fall and flew overhead in long V formations, honking as they flew overhead. Here on Cape Cod many of our geese now stay for the winter, having found ample food and shelter on our town greens, golf courses, playgrounds and expansive lawns.

 As August winds down, be aware that many of our wild neighbors are in transition. They need food, water and safe places to rest. We need to keep that in mind as we address our housing and human issues. We’re all in this together, after all.