Last night as you slept there was an invasion across the U.S. border. Don't worry, this is nothing new. In fact, every year at this time for many thousands of years SONGBIRDS have invaded North America from their wintering grounds south of the U.S. border. Many arrive after a 600 mile, non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico. You can read about this dramatic trip today.
The northern oriole, which we'll track through Journey North, is one of 250+ songbird species that breed in the North America and winter in the "neotropics" (namely Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands). Scientists call these birds "neotropical migratory songbirds". You may know them as ruby-throated hummingbirds, rose-breasted grosbeaks, warblers and vireos--or you may not know about them at all!
In the next weeks you'll learn about the oriole and these other colorful summer residents. Scientists are concerned because there seem to be fewer and fewer of these songbirds each summer. This spring you'll learn about some of the imaginative international conservation efforts that are underway to protect them.
Traditionally people greet the return of orioles each spring with a special treat of sliced oranges. So prepare for the orioles' return where you live and report your first sighting to:
Ms. Flores-Ward's 7th grade class in Canton, New York have volunteerd to serve as your "oriole squad" this spring. They're a professional team, assisted by knowledgeable scientists from St. Lawrence Univeristy and a computer-based school migration program called MISTNET. Their first report is attached.
Other songbird postings today include:
Weather for the Birds: Wind, Weather and Songbird Migration Across the Gulf of Mexico
Conserving Habitat Along the Route: Migratory Songbirds at High Island, Texas
CHALLENGE QUESTION:
You've probably heard the term "biodiversity". As spring advances and migratory animals return to your region, the biodiversity increases. Very few people realize how dramatic this change can be. We wonder if you do!
Try this activity. Don't consult any books or experts, just work FROM MEMORY:
1) Name all the bird species that are permanent residents in your state or province.
2) Next, name all the birds that breed in your state or province in the summertime.
Send both lists to us at: jnorth@informns.k12.mn.us
We'll let you know who the bird brains are!