Lessons From the Field: California Migratory Birds

California is one of the best places to experience the incredible migration of wildlife as it is situated right along the Great Pacific Flyway, a principal migratory route for birds. California has preserved a great deal of habitat including Marine Protected Areas along the coast, restored and reclaimed wetlands across the Central Valley and National Park and Forest land across the Sierra Nevada. Birders from all over the world come to California to see this migration and the numerous species that can only be seen in California.

The Great Pacific Flyway is the name given to the major migratory route that many birds take to move between the tropics and Canada/Alaska twice each year. Birds don't just migrate in random ways across this country. The Bay Area happens to fall right along this major pathway and, hence, is a prime place to see so many different birds.

They are likely regarded as among the top "must-see" migrations because they travel several thousand miles twice each year. During the migration period they can travel 350 miles a day, which is incredible considering the energy expenditure that it takes to travel so far and for their size. And, when they migrate, they do so in massive flocks that number in the tens of thousands! 

During this last birding expedition we were able to see 54 species in just four hours. It's rare to see such a diversity of species in such a short time. Sandhill Cranes were among the highlights.

However, given the wide range of birding experience in the group, each person had their own highlights. For some, seeing Cinnamon Teals for the first time was an amazing experience. For others being able to see Great Horned Owls nesting and up close using a spotting scope was a highlight.

The Pacific Flyway, and in fact all migratory routes, are at risk. Perhaps the largest risk to migratory species is climate change. Migration happens in response to seasonal change and since climate change is changing the timing and duration of seasons rapidly, it gives migratory species less time to adapt. Climate change also exacerbates the severity of storms and natural disasters, which can greatly impact migration. Climate change and other forces have also caused a lot of habitat loss for birds. 

From humans claiming dominion over land for large-scale agriculture and the use of pesticides to claim that land for humans alone, to the development of manufactured urban environments, birds have lost so much of their habitat—something vital to migration. 

For anyone who is just starting out as a birder, or has reservations about birding, I'd recommend a few things.

1. Invest in a pair of quality binoculars or monocular. Having just a pocket 10x25 pair may not give you the experience you're looking for, so spending a bit more, or borrowing a nicer pair from someone will be worth it.
    
2. Buy or borrow a bird identification guide. I like the Kaufman guide to the Birds of North America because it is easy to use, it has digitized pictures of birds, not just illustrations. It starts off with a great explanation on how to use the guide. Range maps are also on the same page as the birds so you don't have to keep flipping back and forth to confirm if the bird you saw actually occurs in your area. When you get slightly more familiar with the various categories of birds, you will have an easier time sifting through the guide to find the bird you're looking for.
    
3. Slow down, and just watch birds and how they behave for a while. It's not a race to get your species list as high as possible. The beauty and wonder of birding is in observing and listening. If you were to carefully observe pigeons for some time, you'll learn so much. 
    
4. If you want to go on a birding trip, find someone who has some expertise, but who isn't just going to list off the species they see, possibly to demonstrate how great they are identifying birds. Go with someone who can work with you at your level.
    
5. Finally, I'd recommend trying to go to specific places at certain times of the year. Go to a wildlife refuge during the early part of migration season (mid-February to mid-March). These are the places where you see birds in such incredible quantities and diversity that it will get you hooked!

Well, it isn't birding that I love, I just love seeing wildlife. Birds just happen to be among the most active, vocal and colorful wildlife which you can see essentially anywhere. 

I also have been able to learn so many wonderful, awe-inspiring facts about birds and have learned how complex and surprising they are because I have spent so much time watching them. Birding is a peaceful form of recreation and requires very minimal resources—just your eyes and ears, ultimately. Bird behavior is also incredibly fascinating to me; from elaborate courtship to nesting. Who hasn't marveled at birds' ability to weave a home using a sharp and cumbersome beak?!