Snowbirds

By Rosemary Badger, Naturalist, Environmental Learning Center, www.DiscoverELC.org 


As winter approaches, expect the arrival of snowbirds, both feathered and human. Snowbirds are northern birds that migrate to or through Florida during the winter. This term also applies to northern-climate humans that spend winter in southern climates. So, prepare for the influx in both bird and human populations!

About 75% of the 650 species of birds in North America migrate. Migration, an annual event, is a response to food availability, habitat or weather. Some birds have an internal clock that prepares them for migrating. In Florida,  some birds stay a couple of months until breeding and nesting grounds up north thaw, some birds rest here before heading to South or Central America, others nest here staying about 6 months before heading north. Here are a few of our favorite snowbirds.

At the ELC, we are always excited to spot the first white pelicans of the season. These birds have a wingspan of nearly 10 feet with white plumage and distinctive black wingtips. American White Pelicans begin nesting in early April in remote lakes of inland North America. In Florida, the white pelican shows up along coastal waters and large lakes mid-October through March. One local spot for these birds is Pelican Island within the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Sebastian. You can walk the Centennial Trail to an observation tower overlooking the island. Or, for the more adventuresome, you can kayak to the boundaries of the island, or take a pontoon boat trip. The ELC offers both of these trips in "snowbird" season (visit www.DiscoverELC.org for a complete schedule).

Twice a year we have opportunities to see purple martins. The male is cloaked in black purple feathers and sings the most beautiful song. These insectivores migrate to South America passing through Florida September-October. During this migration, flocks of thousands of martins can be spotted. While in South America these birds molt an entirely new plumage of feathers. Starting to return to the eastern coast of North America in January, some pairs remain here, while others continue along as far north as Canada. Unfortunately the eastern coast species has become totally dependent on man made cavities, such as purple martin houses. The purple martin house at the ELC is set up in February.

Florida hosts many bald eagles year round, but many head to northern sites in the spring. Males and females form life-long bonds and return to the same breeding territory year after year - usually in late September or early October in Florida. They reuse the same nest if the site is still there. Bald eagles use forested habitats for nesting and roosting, and expanses of shallow fresh or salt water for foraging, mainly for fish.

So, if you are ready to look for snowbirds grab your binoculars, your bird guides and head out into nature. You can even sign up for one of our many pontoon boat trips.
Hope to see you soon!As winter approaches, expect the arrival of snowbirds, both feathered and human. Snowbirds are northern birds that migrate to or through Florida during the winter. This term also applies to northern-climate humans that spend winter in southern climates. So, prepare for the influx in both bird and human populations!

About 75% of the 650 species of birds in North America migrate. Migration, an annual event, is a response to food availability, habitat or weather. Some birds have an internal clock that prepares them for migrating. In Florida,  some birds stay a couple of months until breeding and nesting grounds up north thaw, some birds rest here before heading to South or Central America, others nest here staying about 6 months before heading north. Here are a few of our favorite snowbirds.

At the ELC, we are always excited to spot the first white pelicans of the season. These birds have a wingspan of nearly 10 feet with white plumage and distinctive black wingtips. American White Pelicans begin nesting in early April in remote lakes of inland North America. In Florida, the white pelican shows up along coastal waters and large lakes mid-October through March. One local spot for these birds is Pelican Island within the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Sebastian. You can walk the Centennial Trail to an observation tower overlooking the island. Or, for the more adventuresome, you can kayak to the boundaries of the island, or take a pontoon boat trip. The ELC offers both of these trips in "snowbird" season (visit www.DiscoverELC.org for a complete schedule).

Twice a year we have opportunities to see purple martins. The male is cloaked in black purple feathers and sings the most beautiful song. These insectivores migrate to South America passing through Florida September-October. During this migration, flocks of thousands of martins can be spotted. While in South America these birds molt an entirely new plumage of feathers. Starting to return to the eastern coast of North America in January, some pairs remain here, while others continue along as far north as Canada. Unfortunately the eastern coast species has become totally dependent on man made cavities, such as purple martin houses. The purple martin house at the ELC is set up in February.

Florida hosts many bald eagles year round, but many head to northern sites in the spring. Males and females form life-long bonds and return to the same breeding territory year after year - usually in late September or early October in Florida. They reuse the same nest if the site is still there. Bald eagles use forested habitats for nesting and roosting, and expanses of shallow fresh or salt water for foraging, mainly for fish.

So, if you are ready to look for snowbirds grab your binoculars, your bird guides and head out into nature. You can even sign up for one of our many pontoon boat trips.

Hope to see you soon!