Spring Migration in Full Flight
Posted on April 24, 2025
As warmer days return to Southwest Michigan, millions of birds are traveling hundreds to thousands of miles to reach their breeding grounds across North America, including right here in Berrien County. At the peak of spring migration, more than a billion birds can be in the air on a single night. In Michigan, peak migration typically hits in early to mid-May, with different species arriving in waves throughout the spring season.
The Cornell Lab’s BirdCast maps make it easy—and fun—to watch migration in real time and track the progress of birds as they move through our region. Using radar and machine learning, BirdCast provides real-time migration maps and forecasts that show when and where birds are on the move. The animations are not only fun to watch—they also show the weekly movements of over 1,000 species and highlight where birds are most abundant throughout the year. The map below, a screenshot from Cornell Lab's live migration map, shows migration peak on April 24 at 11:40PM ET with 363.6 million birds in flight! This kind of detail helps guide conservation work by pinpointing key stopover spots and habitats right when birds need them most.
DANGERS & HOW YOU CAN HELP
While migration is a wonder to witness, it’s also a dangerous time for birds. City lights and reflective windows can confuse and kill millions of migrating birds each year. BirdCast and the Cornell Lab recommend turning off nonessential lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during peak migration periods—especially in urban and suburban areas. Closing curtains, directing outdoor lighting downward, and applying bird-friendly window treatments are all simple steps that can prevent deadly collisions. For homeowners, check out this article from the Cornell Lab for practical tips on preventing bird-window collisions. Most collisions happen at homes and low-rise buildings, so individual action can have a big impact.
You can also support birds this season by providing safe spaces to rest and nest. Many migratory birds are now scouting for nesting sites, and nest boxes can give them a much-needed home. Cavity-nesting birds like bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, and swallows benefit from human-made boxes. The NestWatch Right Bird, Right House tool provides free, downloadable plans to build a box tailored to specific species, complete with tips for placement and success. Find plans here.
WANT TO SEE WHO'S FLYING THROUGH YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
eBird is a free, global bird-tracking platform created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting to explore the skies, eBird makes it easy to discover what’s being seen near you—including on Chikaming Open Lands preserves.
With eBird, you can:
- Find recent sightings at specific locations
- Track your personal birding list and observations
- Explore seasonal migration trends and abundance maps
- Contribute valuable data to support bird conservation
As migration brings new life to the skies above Southwest Michigan, take a moment to look up, listen in, and lend a helping hand. With a few simple actions, you can make a difference for birds this season—and enjoy their beauty while you do.
