Fall is one of the best times of year for birdwatching in Pennsylvania. Hawks, eagles, songbirds, ducks and other species travel through the region as they head toward warmer climates, offering opportunities for both experienced birders and beginners to spot wildlife.<\/p>\n
On The Spark, Asia Tabb spoke with Laura Jackson, president of the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology, and Joe Gyekis, a board member of the organization, about fall migration, how to spot birds and simple ways people can help protect them.<\/p>\n
October is typically the peak month for raptor migration, according to Jackson. Hawks and eagles can often be seen during the day, while many songbirds travel at night. Some species begin migrating as early as July, while others continue moving through Pennsylvania into November and even early December.<\/p>\n
Pennsylvania is an important stop along these migration routes because birds breeding in Canada and other northern regions travel south to find suitable winter habitats.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a huge amount of forest and other habitat to our north,\u201d Gyekis said. \u201cSo a lot of stuff coming out of Ontario, Quebec, New York state are passing through Pennsylvania on their way to other habitats to the south.\u201d<\/p>\n
Birdwatching does not require expensive equipment or a trip to a popular lookout. Jackson recommends binoculars, joining a local birding club and using free apps such as Merlin Bird ID, which helps identify birds by their calls and appearance, and eBird, which allows users to track sightings and see what other birders are finding nearby.<\/p>\n
Gyekis also encourages people to slow down and pay attention to their surroundings.<\/p>\n
\u201cGive yourself a little time with your eyes away from the screens, give yourself a little time to just soak in the beauty of nature,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Bird lovers can also make their own yards more welcoming by planting native vegetation, providing food and cover, and adding bird feeders. Jackson cautioned that homeowners should take steps to prevent window collisions, such as using visible markings or other bird-safe window treatments.<\/p>\n
Another way to protect migrating birds is to participate in the Lights Out initiative. Because many birds migrate at night and navigate using the stars, artificial light shining into the sky can disorient them, causing exhaustion and sometimes death. Turning off unnecessary outdoor lights overnight and directing essential lighting toward the ground can help reduce the risks.<\/p>\n
Pet owners can help, too. Jackson recommends keeping cats indoors or creating a screened outdoor enclosure known as a \u201ccatio,\u201d which allows cats to enjoy the outdoors without hunting wildlife.<\/p>\n
As migration continues across Pennsylvania, Jackson and Gyekis say people do not have to be expert birdwatchers to appreciate the seasonal changes happening around them. A little patience, curiosity and a few simple changes at home can help people enjoy the experience while making their surroundings safer for birds.<\/p>\n