Why birds migrate vast distances – and how you can help during their breeding season
Unravel the mystery of bird migration and discover the reasons behind their epic journeys. Learn how these fascinating creatures navigate vast distances and explore ways you can contribute to their survival during the crucial breeding season.
Migration
Although we tend to think of migration as birds flying from one country to another, there are actually many animals who migrate
- Wildebeest, for example, undertake a circular migration, roaming the African plains in huge numbers during the dry season in search of fresh grass.
- However, birds are the record breakers when it comes to travel. The bar-tailed godwit has the longest recorded non-stop migration, with one individual spending almost ten days travelling from Alaska to New Zealand without a break.
How birds find their way
Migration is a costly business – birds need to carry enough fat reserves to power their flight and sustain themselves over the duration of their journey.
- Getting lost could have disastrous consequences, so birds have developed incredible navigation skills to help them fly the shortest and safest routes.
UK’s summer visitors
Many birds undertake long distance migrations to the UK for the summer breeding season.
- Feeding birds nuts, seeds, and household scraps will help to provide some easily accessible food
- Enhancing biodiversity in your garden by creating a wildflower meadow, or taking part in no mow May – an initiative from British conservation charity, Plantlife, asking everyone to “lock up their lawnmowers and let vegetation grow during the month of May” will also be hugely beneficial
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