Bird migration is a seasonal movement, usually from north and south, between a bird’s breeding and wintering grounds. This event is driven by the availability of food and favorable climates at different times of year. Birds generally migrate in flocks, during the spring and fall in North America. Many species of birds so it. There can be many challenges for the birds, which include predation, human hunters, habitat destruction, human structures such as power lines and wind turbines. Birds will navigate using cues from the sun in the day and stars at night. They can use the earth’s magnetic field or polarized light as a guide, as well. Some use mental maps, although, in most migratory birds, the skill seems innate rather than learned. Here are some photos taken in the autumn migration time frame, all of these birds are on the list of birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 implements the protection of migratory birds between the United States and Canada. The original statute began in the 1916 convention between the U.S. and Canada. This act makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, capture, kill, or sell any bird, living or dead. This includes feathers, eggs, or nests. There are over 800 birds on the list, which include swans, geese, ducks, rails, coots, cranes, plovers, oyster catchers, along with many others.