It was the entry into the deepening time for me.
~Quote from a Sunrise Walker
Throughout the Autumnal Equinox, you walked the path of the Laguna de Santa Rosa.
You found your own way to the pathway inside.
Many said the talk about migration by Lissa Dodds was valuable and increased their understanding of the Laguna and the extraordinary bird kingdom.
We can get to know a place by going back to that land year after year and seeing the patterns of the bird migrations.
~ Lissa Dodds
Click on the arrow below to hear Lissa’s full talk.
Lissa Dodds: Migration is a regular seasonal movement
Migration is one of the most dramatic and interesting behaviors. Birds may cross oceans, mountain ranges, and fly at night without being able to see.
What triggers the birds to migrate at particular seasons?
What triggers birds to move is the change in the length of the day. It actually changes a hormone in their body. The scientist call this feeling, like they have to move, “uneasiness”.
How do they know how to migrate in these patterns?
- They follow the sun during the day and the moon and north star at the night.
- Some birds have magnetic material in their eyes: they see bands of light and follow the magnetic fields.
- Other birds have memories and maps in their minds which direct their flight.
Migration is the only bird behavior that is really predictable but it still remains a mystery. We have theories and some good ideas but it is still a mystery.
The red-winged blackbird in migration
The blackbird is one of the most abundant species in the Americas. Their range stretches from southern Alaska to the Yucatan Peninsula. Only the northern population migrates. Their migration is around September.
- What have you noticed about the migration patterns of the red-winged blackbird?
- Are there other patterns of migration that you have noticed as you walk through the seasons?
Migration is something you notice if you come to a place more than one season
and get to know your land
I am looking forward to seeing your photos and hearing about your experiences from the Autumnal Equinox Sunrise Walks. Your bird (and personal) migration experiences are especially welcome! To upload photos, please use the form on this page.
Xoxo,
Liza
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