By Chris Bensley with Peter Alden
Bird migration is one of the most remarkable phenomena in the animal kingdom, and in New England, this annual event brings a great opportunity to witness the passage of some of the world’s most fascinating bird species.
Shorter days and decreasing temperatures signal to birds that it’s time to move, spurring them to embark on journeys that can span thousands of miles. Birds migrate to escape the harsh winter conditions of the north, seeking warmer climates and abundant food sources in the southern states, West Indies, Mexico, Central and South America.
“Many of our shorebirds fly from breeding grounds in Alaska and Arctic Canada all the way to Brazil, Argentina and Chile then back for 5-10 years. That’s equal to a flight to our Moon!” says Peter Alden. “For species like the Arctic Tern, these migrations are the longest of any animal, stretching from the Arctic to the Antarctic.”
The Autumn Migration Experience in New England
New England, with its diverse habitats—coastlines, forests, wetlands, and mountains—becomes a critical stopover for birds migrating south. From September to November, birdwatchers can expect to see a wide range of species, from warblers and vireos to hawks and shorebirds. These birds use the region as a refueling station, taking advantage of rich feeding grounds before continuing their journey.
Some of the standout species to watch for include:
Warblers: These small, colorful songbirds are among the most popular to observe during migration. Most other warblers work their way down to the US Gulf coast and continue south in stages into Latin America.
“Warblers have been scarcer this year” said Peter. “The vast western and Canadian wild fires have directly killed many adult and nestling birds and reduced breeding habitat. Plus, many warblers flew south early from strong Northwest cold fronts.”
Raptors: New England is famous for its raptor migration, especially hawks, eagles, and falcons. Hawk-watching sites like Mount Tom and Wachusett in Mass., Pack Monadnock in NH, Putney Mountain in VT and Lighthouse Point near New Haven CT offer excellent vantage points for seeing these majestic birds glide south on thermals.
Shorebirds: Along the coast, species like the Semipalmated Sandpiper and the Black-bellied Plover can be spotted as they forage along the mudflats, preparing for their long flights.
Little 5" Blackpoll Warblers breed up in the north woods but winter in Amazonia. The Blackpoll feeds voraciously for many days in treetops of New England. Groups await a strong NW wind to aid them overwater towards Bermuda (where they rarely stop) pick up a NE trade wind and then cross over the Sargasso Sea arriving on the north coast of South America in 4-5 days!
Migration Hotspots
New England boasts several bird migration hotspots that draw birdwatchers from across the region:
Plum Island, Massachusetts: Part of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island is renowned for shorebirds and waterfowl, particularly during the fall migration.
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge: A key site for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, the refuge offers unparalleled views of birds resting and feeding before heading further south.
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Concord unit: A favorite among local birders, this refuge is home to a wide variety of species during migration.
What to Expect
In New England’s autumn, birders can expect a dynamic and ever-changing landscape of species. With its crisp air and stunning fall foliage, New England offers the perfect backdrop to appreciate the wonders of migration. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual observer, the sights and sounds of migrating birds on their long journeys south make autumn a truly magical season.
Early in the season, songbirds and shorebirds dominate, while later in the fall, hawks and waterfowl take center stage. Some species, like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Yellow Warbler and Orchard Oriole depart before summer is over. Among the waterfowl, the Blue-winged Teal heads south first while Green-winged Teal, most dabbling and diving ducks, pass by later in the autumn.
Backyard Birds in Autumn
Autumn is an excellent time for noting birds in your backyard or a nearby park or wild area. There will be birds especially on quiet warm days or following a windy cool front. Be sure to carry your binoculars and a field guide. Try taking photos of birds you are uncertain of. You can examine them later or share them with a local expert. Think about inviting a friend or neighbor for their first bird walk ever (and urge them to check out sparkbirding.com). If you two see a special bird up close perhaps that will be the moment that really sparked a lifetime passion for birding.
Get in the habit of keeping track of your day lists with numbers, where you birded, and any special notes on uncertain or rare species. This can be done upon your return home but is best accomplished in the field, on paper, or electronically.
Bird Cast
For a real-time look at this year’s bird migration, the Cornell Lab hosts a website called “Bird Cast”. During fall migration, most birds pass through the contiguous U.S. from early September through October. The animation shows a curve that rises quickly during peak migration and levels off at the end of the season. At its peak, over 400,000 birds will pass through on a given night!
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