Natural History Wanderings

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The Bad: 9/11 Anniversary Disrupts Bird Migration

In a most unfortunate set of circumstances twin columns of light displayed over the World Trade Center site, ended up confusing and disoriented migrating birds.  The 9/11 anniversary occurred the same time as many birds are flying  along a major migration route through the New York metropolitan area. I have childhood memories of watching large flocks of birds flying high over my home in New Jersey, probably this time of year.  Bad weather last week contributed to  many birds waiting for clearing and tail winds before heading south.  To read more go to the Wired Science article:  9/11 Memorial Lights Trap Thousands of Birds

The Good: Migration Season is Coming to California

California has an exceptional bird migration every year.  We have many species due to our many habitats and long north-south land and coastal areas.  We have many great birding locations.  Audubon has put together a list of  some of the top birding locations in California and some of the birds that migrate through each spot:  Fall migration ramping up in California Add your own suggestions for birding locations as a comment.

Related Articles

• Balancing commemoration and conservation on September 11 (grist.org)
• Above the City at Night, the Call of the Wild Is Heard (cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com)
• 10,000 birds trapped in Twin Towers memorial light (telegraph.co.uk)
• NYC Dims Lights for Migrating Birds (newser.com)
• Birds Disoriented By Trade Center Memorial Lights (npr.org)