At our property we enjoy stargazing, so we've always and forever kept our yard dark at night. Very conscientiously so. Fortunately, too, we live on an avenue where the street lights are at either end, with no big lights on our narrow avenue. At times, over the years, I have heard birds calling out overhead at night. It is always ALWAYS a thrill to hear them and know they are on their journey. Looking skyward into the darkness and wishing them luck makes my heart sing. I hope everyone watching this video knows or has now learned that going dark is bird-friendly. Not only out of consideration for migratory birds, but also for the many night hunting bird species such as owls, nighthawks and night herons, etc.
My hummingbirds in Central IL were absolutely guzzling nectar from mid-September through October 1. I knew they were getting ready to leave. This week, (Oct 7) I haven’t seen a single one. I always miss them a lot and feel like hanging “Welcome Home” signs in May when they return.
I can always count on my white-throated sparrows to make their return every Oct 1st and I love waking up to hear the first song of the new season. And even though I have feeders year round my chestnut winged chickadees hide their nuts.
At our property we enjoy stargazing, so we've always and forever kept our yard dark at night. Very conscientiously so. Fortunately, too, we live on an avenue where the street lights are at either end, with no big lights on our narrow avenue. At times, over the years, I have heard birds calling out overhead at night. It is always ALWAYS a thrill to hear them and know they are on their journey. Looking skyward into the darkness and wishing them luck makes my heart sing.
I hope everyone watching this video knows or has now learned that going dark is bird-friendly. Not only out of consideration for migratory birds, but also for the many night hunting bird species such as owls, nighthawks and night herons, etc.
Thanks for posting! 👍❤️
Great video.🎉
I had no idea birds fly at night & that they can sense the Earth's magnetic field 😮 Amazing little creatures!
Wow. Everyday miracles. Love being in community with nature nerds like me.
Thanks for sharing, great information.
Thanks for clear good answers
My hummingbirds in Central IL were absolutely guzzling nectar from mid-September through October 1. I knew they were getting ready to leave. This week, (Oct 7) I haven’t seen a single one. I always miss them a lot and feel like hanging “Welcome Home” signs in May when they return.
Hi cornell
How do lights at night confuse the birds? Does it disrupt their ability to sense the magnetic fields?
The travel distance is shrunk at night, that could be the reason some birds start their migration at night time.
I can always count on my white-throated sparrows to make their return every Oct 1st and I love waking up to hear the first song of the new season. And even though I have feeders year round my chestnut winged chickadees hide their nuts.