An unbelievable number of birds are pushing north this month as we reach the peak of spring migration. This is the time that our brightly-coloured birds show up, the songbirds. The number of individuals heading north across the continent at this time is staggering, in the hundreds of millions – and sometimes that is in one night! They don’t all reach Canada but many do and the majority fly by night, using an internal magnetic compass and following the stars.

Warblers by the dozens as well as flycatchers, vireos, orioles, tanagers, wrens and even cuckoos push north as they deal with ever-changing weather patterns. Some nights are poor while others are clear sailing. The peak is reached at mid-month. Long-time favourites include Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole, Yellow Warbler and Common Yellowthroat. Have you noticed the American Goldfinches? Males are changing their drab winter colours for the bright yellow and black colours we all know.

Happy Birding!

Brian Morin

Publisher of Ontario Birding News