Oshawa Wildlife Control: Why Do Birds Migrate in the Fall?

Fall’s arrival signals the end of sweltering temperatures, carefree summer days and long daylight hours. As the crisp, cool weather arrives, there is the knowledge that winter is not far away. Wildlife are on the move during this time of year. They are also aware of the shortening days and impending brutal temperatures. Birds are no exception, and if you find them moving into your chimney or building a cozy nest in your vents, contact experts for bird control in Oshawa. The sight of geese cruising across the sky in a v-formation is one of the first visible signs that autumn is here. Though many birds migrate in the fall, they don’t all do so at the same time, and you may not notice that they’re migrating. Why do birds vacate Oshawa in the fall, and where do they go?

Birds of a Feather Flock to Warmer Weather

Many people assume that birds migrate to escape the cold. After all, there are many Canadians who head south every winter for that very reason! While birds do flock to warmer environments in the fall, the temperatures aren’t the only reason they seek out balmier climates. You may think these creatures would quickly freeze when the thermometer drops below freezing, but even some of the smallest birds are surprisingly hardy. A tiny hummingbird can withstand some pretty cold temperatures. Birds have to eat, though, and if their food sources grow scarcer in colder weather, they need to go where resources are more plentiful. Insects and many types of vegetation aren’t adapted for growth or survival in winter weather. They either die or go dormant, which means there isn’t enough food to go around. Though some species stick it out all year long, a majority head to where temperatures are warm enough to provide sufficient resources for a winter population.

Fine Feathered Friends Find Their Way to Familiar Stomping Grounds

Birds have an incredible sense of direction. Many bird species fly the same migratory highway they travelled the year before. They know exactly where they’re going, and they travel to the same place year after year. For these species, their route and destination never vary.

How Do They Find Their Way?

These relics from the dinosaur age still hold mysteries that scientists haven’t yet completely unravelled. One of them is how they manage to travel such great distances without losing their way. What is known is that some of them seem to be able to read their migration map using the sun’s rays as a compass. These birds can see ultraviolet light even on cloudy days. Another navigational tool for some birds is the ability to sense Earth’s magnetic field, so they always know which direction is true north.

How Do They Know When It’s Time To Go?

Different species travel different distances to reach their wintering grounds, so not all birds leave at the same time. In general, the longer a species has to travel, the earlier they get started. Most birds hang around for as long as their resources are plentiful. Migration timing is another grey area for scientists, and they aren’t sure what signals the birds to get moving. Likely, many factors are involved. They may take their cues from changing temperatures, daylight length, angle of the sun’s rays or food availability. Whatever it is, they know when it’s best to hit the skyways and head south. In the spring, they’ll repeat the process, finding their way back to Oshawa when food is readily available and just in time for mating season.

Homeowners Find Help With Humane Bird Control in Oshawa

Birds that don’t migrate may look for a cozy place to spend the winter months, and it could be inside your chimney or exterior vents. While birds are fascinating to watch, they don’t belong in your chimney. Skedaddle technicians are experts at humane bird control in Oshawa. Get in touch today to schedule services!