Because of millions of years of evolution, birds have developed severe weather strategies that serve them well overall. Different species, time of year, and location can each influence how birds respond to weather events and how successful they may be in avoiding disasters. Florida’s year-round birds as well as those in migration over land and water can all be impacted by tropical storms and hurricanes.

In addition to their keen sensitivity to weather changes, birds also have the advantage of mobility. They can seek safe refuge miles away, if necessary. But some species literally hunker down and endure. Large predominantly ground species such as cranes often simply face into the wind and stay put until conditions improve. Smaller ground birds seek refuge in tall grasses or bushes for protection. Others may find a suitable tree that deflects the wind if they perch near the trunk. Cavity birds like to find a hidey-hole to wait out the storm. Pelagic birds, those that spend the vast majority of their lives at sea, have been documented flying in the eyes of hurricanes and as the storm falls apart they escape, resulting in unusual or rare bird sighting reports after a hurricane passes. Smaller birds may seek shelter closer in our neighborhoods under eaves, on porches, or in dense vegetation. Most often they seem to just disappear from our yards and trees, reappearing in the days after the weather improves.

Sensitivity to barometric pressure changes can help migrating birds determine whether to stay grounded, fly out before a storm or delay progress along migratory paths until conditions improve. This year, BirdCast noted significant migratory changes in September before and after Hurricane Helene. It’s estimated over a half BILLION birds shifted from the Atlantic Flyway to the Mississippi Flyway during the overnight hours from September 27 to 28 to avoid the storm. And during Hurricane Milton, two cruise ships in the Gulf of Mexico reporting fallouts with thousands of birds and moths crashing onto the ships’ decks because they were unable to stay aloft through the hurricane. Unfortunately, many birds didn’t survive and some were injured, but some only needed time to rest before resuming their flights. We can imagine many other birds in mid-migration over the Gulf may have been unable to find a safe landing area and perished. Fallouts also occur over land. Wildlife care centers experience high intake volumes after major weather events because injured birds can be found sometimes hiding but often openly on beaches or in yards, parks, ponds, downed foliage, etc. days later.

And what about our rookery birds? Despite wind damage to the plants on the rookery island, it seems some birds have decided to meet up and beginning nesting already. Stop over for a look at the early arrivals and first pairs. The new breeding season may be starting early this year.

- Jean Pichler, President

 

Our wonder volunteers helped clean up the storm damage.