Just Passing Through

We all have witnessed bird migration north in the spring and south in the fall, but did you know there are 4 main flyways in the United States? They are the Pacific, Central, Mississippi, and Atlantic flyways. New England is part of the Atlantic flyway.

The Audubon Society explains that about 500 bird species use the Atlantic Flyway, which actually covers a relatively small landmass. Instead, much of the flyway is over or very close to water, including the East Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.

Some of the following migrators may stop by your feeder: American Goldfinch (pictured), Baltimore Oriole, Blue Grosbeak, Common Redpoll, Hermit Thrush, House Finch, Northern Cardinal, Northern Flicker, Purple Finch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, or Song Sparrow.

All migratory birds depend on healthy nesting grounds, healthy migratory stopover sites, and healthy wintering grounds. You can help migrating birds by providing them with a safe and welcoming place to rest, recover and refuel before they set out again and by protecting places that already do just that.