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Migration Tracker
See which birds are migrating through your area right now. Select a month and region to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see migrating birds?
Spring migration (March-May) and fall migration (August-November) are the two main windows. Spring is often better for seeing colorful breeding plumage. Dawn and dusk are the best times of day, as many migrants travel at night and stop to feed in the morning.
What are the major North American flyways?
There are four major flyways: Atlantic (East Coast), Mississippi (Central), Central (Great Plains), and Pacific (West Coast). Each corridor funnels millions of birds between breeding and wintering grounds. The Mississippi Flyway sees the heaviest traffic.
How do birds know when and where to migrate?
Birds use a combination of daylight length changes, internal biological clocks, Earth's magnetic field, star patterns, and landmarks to navigate. Some species also pass migration routes to offspring genetically. Younger birds may follow experienced adults on their first journey.
Where should I go to watch migrating birds?
Look for migration bottlenecks: coastlines, lake shores, river valleys, and mountain ridges concentrate birds. Hawk watches on ridgelines are excellent in fall. Coastal parks and wildlife refuges along major flyways are also productive. Check local birding groups for hotspot reports.
How can I help migrating birds?
Turn off unnecessary lights at night during migration season (birds navigate by stars and city lights disorient them). Keep cats indoors, install window strikes prevention, plant native species that provide food and shelter, and support habitat conservation along flyways.