(Source: Van Doren, B. M., and Horton, K. G. 2026 migration forecast map image. BirdCast, migration forecast map; 16 Mar 2026 at 12:00 UTC. University of Illinois, Purdue University, and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. birdcast.org. 16 March 2026.)

The Journey Home

Every spring, billions of birds embark on a monumental journey from Central and South America to their nesting grounds in the North. For many species—including the vibrant Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and dozens of species of Warblers—the Philadelphia metropolitan region serves as a vital "rest stop" and nesting destination. These tiny travelers rely on our local habitats to refuel after flying hundreds of miles in a single night.

Why Your Actions Matter

Migration is a feat of endurance, but it’s fraught with modern obstacles. You can make a life-saving difference with two simple steps:

💡Lights Out for Birds: Most songbirds migrate at night, using the stars and magnetic fields to navigate. Bright city lights and decorative home exterior lighting can disorient them, leading to exhaustion or dangerous collisions. By turning off non-essential outdoor lights between midnight and dawn, you help provide a clear, dark sky for their passage.

💡A "Bird-Friendly" Welcome: As birds land in our area, they are hunting for high-energy fuel. Providing native plants, clean water sources, and certified bird-friendly coffee (which protects their wintering grounds) ensures they have the strength to complete their journey and raise the next generation.

Want to use the Bird Migration Map to watch your favorite birds journey to your backyard? Visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bird Migration Tools and follow your feathered friends!

We're your neighborhood experts because birding is our business. Be sure to stop in and let our Certified Bird Feeding Specialists help you get ready to welcome our backyard birds home!

Wild Birds Unlimited...We Bring People and Nature to Together®

 

 

 

 

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