|Tom Discoll|
Birdcast in the Forecast: More than a million visitors in one night!
If you’ve noticed a sudden burst of birdsong in the morning or an unfamiliar bird fluttering by your window, you’re not alone. Friday night, an estimated 1,684,400 birds flew over Cumberland County, and many of them touched down here in New Gloucester for a well-earned rest and snack. Such numbers of night flying birds are common this time of year.
These seasonal visitors, much like our summer folks from away, are making their annual journey back north—and Maine is a favorite stop. Some are just passing through; others will stay to raise their young right here in our fields and forests.
Maine: A summer home for more than just people
While many birds are here year-round, others are true “snowbirds,” spending their winters in the south. But now they’re returning in droves, and Maine’s rich habitat makes for the perfect summer retreat—for birds and people.
A pilot’s perspective
As a former military pilot, I find the data behind migration fascinating. A website called BirdCast (birdcast.info) offers real-time tracking of migration numbers, flight paths, altitudes, and speeds. Watching the skies at night becomes even more awe-inspiring when you realize how many winged travelers are up there, often flying unseen. And like the birds, I did much of my own flying, lights-out, low level, and in the dark of night.
And yes, pilots could learn a thing or two from birds. Hummingbirds, for instance, are the helicopters of the avian world—able to hover, reverse, and maneuver in all directions, though at a high energy cost. Just like helicopters! And both burn a lot of fuel. A Blackhawk helicopter could easily burn 100 gallons of jet fuel in one hour. Compare that to your car.
Helping our migrants feel at home
Migrating birds usually land at dawn, hungry and tired. They often follow local birds to good food sources—wild berry patches, forest floors, and yes, your backyard bird feeder. A little extra seed or nectar this time of year can go a long way. You can get anything you want at Alice’s Restaurant.
So, next time you see an unfamiliar bird at your feeder or on a power line, take a moment to appreciate it—it may be gone tomorrow, flying onward under the stars.
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How you can help migrating birds
- Keep feeders full: Especially with black oil sunflower seeds and nectar for hummingbirds.
- Leave leaf litter: It provides insects and shelter.
- Turn off outdoor lights at night: Lights can disorient migrating birds.
Visit BirdCast: Head to www.birdcast.info to check nightly migration maps. You can get a view of the US, all of Maine, or just “Cumberland County Maine”.
