Do snow geese migrate earlier in the spring when conditions allow it? The answer is a definite maybe.
I have been anxiously awaiting the return of birds to eastern Idaho. Almost every other day I am at one or more of our wetland areas checking on progress. Bird numbers are increasing slowly and steadily, though not as fast as I would like. With the an early spring, I thought this process might speed up a little and I didn’t want to miss it.
However, timing doesn’t really appear to have changed all that much and I wondered why. Wouldn’t it be an advantage to the birds to get an earlier start on migration? After all, finding a prime nesting territory can be a challenge and early arrivals should have the advantage.
When I looked into this, it became apparent that there are two extremes of migrant birds. At one end are those for which migration is a genetic or hard-wired process. Called obligate migrants, they are pre-programmed as to when they leave and return, where they go and how they get there. For obligate migrants such as many shorebirds and warblers, resources vary predictably and they take advantage of that. They may leave behind awesome circumstances to begin migrating because the calendar (day length) tells them it is time to go. That is why it is easy to forecast when some birds will be arriving at a given area.
Obligate birds are also generally the ones that travel the greatest distances. They may fly from the jungles of South America back to the Arctic. It makes sense then why they are ruled by the clock and not by conditions. They time migration to ensure food and water will be readily available. Once they begin migration, they can’t gamble that conditions will improve.
Facultative migrants, are on the other end of the bird migration spectrum. For these travelers, migration may actually be optional, depending on conditions. The timing of their migration in any given year is also highly variable. They are also usually shorter distance migrants.
If conditions moderate early in the spring, you may expect facultative species such as sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds and killdeer to take advantage of the weather and arrive earlier than normal. How they know whether or not conditions on the migration route are suitable is a good question. They may build their migration in a block of habitat approach: they may assume that if things are good where they are, a couple hundred miles north will be pretty similar. That way they move in spurts but are not too committed if they bump up against the edge of winter.
Facultative species also include what are termed irruptive species. These are short-distance migrants that may not typically migrate far or even at all some years, but during food shortages they change this behavior. They may migrate, en masse, to find a new food source. Irruptive species include Bohemian waxwings, crossbills, northern shrikes, snowy owls and great grey owls.
Since it is a continuum from obligate to facultative, it stands to reason that not all birds fall neatly into one or the other classifications. There are many birds that will be between the two extremes.
So, I had my answer. Will birds migrate sooner during an early spring? The answer is a definite maybe.
TAX DAY is coming! Here is a chance to do something good with a bit of your tax return and make the day less painful.
Donate part of your tax return to support wildlife in Idaho!
On the second page of the Idaho Individual Tax form 40 you have the opportunity to donate to the “Nongame Wildlife Conservation Fund”.
Check-off this box on your next return or ask your tax preparer to mark the Nongame check-off on your behalf.
If you are not from Idaho, check with your own state wildlife agency about how you can help. Many states have a similar program.
"WOW. What a phenomenal piece you wrote. You are amazing." Jennifer Jackson
That is embarrassing, but actually a fairly typical response to my nature essays. Since The Best of Nature is created from the very best of 16 years of these nature essays published weekly in the Idaho Falls Post Register (online readership 70,000), it is a fine read. It covers a wide variety of topics including humorous glimpses of nature, philosophy, natural history, and conservation. Readers praise the style, breadth of subject matter and my ability to communicate complex and emotional topics in a relaxed and understandable manner.
Everyone can find something to love in this book. From teenagers to octogenarians, from the coffee shop to the school room, these nature essays are widely read and enjoyed.
Some of the essays here are my personal favorites, others seemed to strike a chord with readers. Most have an important message or lesson that will resonate with you. They are written with a goal to simultaneously entertain and educate about the wonderful workings of nature. Some will make you laugh out loud and others will bring a tear to the eye and warm your heart.
"You hit a home run with your article on, Big Questions in Nature. It should be required reading for everyone who has lost touch with nature...great job!" Joe Chapman
"We enjoyed your column, Bloom Where Planted. Some of the best writing yet. The Post Register is fortunate to have your weekly columns." Lou Griffin.
To read more and to order a copy, click here or get the Kindle version
Copies are also available at:
Island Park Builders Supply (upstairs)
Barnes and Noble in Idaho Falls
Harriman State Park, Island Park
Museum of Idaho
Valley Books, Jackson Wyoming
Avocet Corner Bookstore, Bear River National Wildlife Refuge, Brigham City, Utah
Craters of the Moon National Monument Bookstore, Arco, Idaho