What is bird migration ?
Bird migration is a regular seasonal movement between breeding areas and other areas. Every year, the birds leave their breeding grounds to go to their wintering grounds. It is a cycle, which they have recorded in their genes.
Their instinct is to leave. But above all the cooling temperatures and the depletion of resources. They are looking for food and a place to build their nests. When the weather gets cooler, they leave the North for the South.
There are two kinds of migration:
*Winter migration (January-June). They leave their winter nests to breed. This is often a move to the northern hemisphere.
*Autumn migration (August-January). These are often movements to the Southern Hemisphere.
But before migrating they have to prepare themselves for this long journey. Before leaving, they fill up on energy and strength. Some of them double their weight. This period is called the "agitation phase" and can last almost two weeks.
During the journey, the birds fly according to the wind and the temperature. Some prefer to fly at night to avoid predators. They have an internal compass in their genes that guides them on their journey.
Unfortunately, it is often during this journey that they encounter a large number of dangers. During this period mortality is highest. They are easily disoriented by weather or storms... The human factor also comes into play: pollution, waste, power lines.
Most individuals leaving Europe for the winter go to Africa, many to the Maghreb but some cross the Sahara to the far south, some birds remain in Europe. They only go as far south as Spain.
To help the birds you can reduce your consumption of insecticides (favor organic products). During the month of April to June, birds are breeding. It is therefore advisable to leave their nests in place. You can provide water or food in feeders or create nesting boxes.
There is no need to be impatient. New nesting boxes are not always occupied in the first year. In the event of repeated failures, move the nesting box.
Personally, birds have always brought me this calm, they have always soothed me. When I don’t feel well, I like to go outside and walk in the woods and listen to the birds singing. So let’s preserve these individuals.