Birds

What’s up with our birds?

Warmer winters may result in more birds staying around for winter

January 16, 2017, 12:11 pm ASTLast Updated: January 16, 2017, 12:11 pm

Every year, with the turning of the seasons, a vast number of birds undertake the monumental journey that is migration. But in a warming world, their cues to leave may be getting a bit muddled. Birdwatchers have been noticing that certain species seem to be staying around longer. What is happening with our birds, and what can observing them they tell us about our natural world?

A song sparrow at Point Pleasant Park, with fluffed up feathers, trying to stay warm. Song Sparrows usually go south for the winter, but this one seems to be staying around. Rowan Morrissy

Blue jays are resident birds, often seen at feeders during the winter months. Rowan Morrissy

Canada geese are an example of a species that usually migrates, but it’s becoming more and more common for them to stay around for the winter. Rowan Morrissy

David Currie, president of the Nova Scotia Bird Society, at Point Pleasant Park. Rowan Morrissy

American Crows are year-round resident of Nova Scotia. Learn more in our full show. Mira Dietz Chiasson

This piece was part of the Signal radio workshop show. Listen to the full show here:

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