About
the Oriole Migration Study
When the oriole
returns to its nest in your backyard this spring, it will have just completed
a remarkable round trip journey to
Central America
and back! Plot the oriole's return journey and learn what it takes for
this--and other species of "neotropical migrants"--to successfully
complete this amazing flight. Neotropical migrants are birds that breed
in North America and winter south of the U.S. border. An amazing 333 bird
species are neotropical migrants!
Our story
begins with reports from the neotropical migrants' wintering grounds
in Mexico and Central America. As songbirds cross the Gulf of Mexico
on their annual nonstop flight, we'll explore the effect of weather
on migration with bi-weekly weather reports and analysis from Dr. David
Aborn. As the journey continues, students across North America will
report backyard sightings when the orioles return. We will analyze
data and explore the physiology of flight. We'll delve into the mysteries
of migration and learn about population dynamics, nest building, and
conservation issues. And we'll discover some ways we can help orioles
and other neotropical migrants survive.
Report
your sightings to Journey North |
What
to Report to Journey North
1.
Oriole
Feeder UP
Report when your Oriole feeder is up.
As
soon as you place your oriole feeder outside, report to Journey North.
Now you're ready to watch for your first orioles!
2.
First Oriole
Report the FIRST Oriole you see this spring.
Let us know when your Oriole safely arrives after the long migration
from Central America.
3.
Leaf-out of Trees
Report
"leaf-out" of your trees.
Here's
why: For many songbird species, the timing of spring migration may be
related to leaf-out. This is because when leaves emerge, so do lots of
insects. Songbirds may fuel their migration by following the leaf-out
and eating the millions of insects available at that time. With your help,
we'd like to test whether these spring events are inter-related.
4.
First Nest-building
Report when you first see Orioles building their
nest. Usually
the females are seen flying with nesting materials such as plant fibers
or string.
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