Using NEXRAD

This is a map showing migratory flyways in North America. 

This is a picture of geese flying in a typical v-formation during migration.

Migration is the mass movement of certain bird species from one area to another.

 

Migration can take many different form.

 

Migration routed can be fairly short or incredibly long.

 

Some birds don’t migrate at all (these birds are called residents).

 

Some birds migrate sometimes but not always.

 

Bird species may live in warm climates all year round so they don't need to migrate.

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Migration is important to some bird species survival.

 

Birds migrate to find a better food source.

 

Birds migrate to breed and raise their young.

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Migration is thought to be genetically programmed and birds may use one or more of the following methods to orient themselves during their flight:

Migration routes have evolved over thousand of years.

 

Birds molt feathers during the breeding season in order to refresh broken or worn flight feathers.

 

Many birds migrate at night.

 

In order to ready themselves for a long flight, birds put on a layer of fat.

 

Hormones secreted by the birds allow birds to quickly increase their body weight.

 

Some birds double their body weight in preparation for migration.

 

During the migration, birds refuel and rest at stop over sites.