COLDWATER, MI (WTVB)- If you’ve noticed more singing birds in the mornings lately? Or maybe something on your windshield? it may be due to the new bird arrivals in Michigan after mass migration took place last week.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology estimates more than 6.7 million birds flew over Branch County last week.
Bird migration is most active at night at heights of 1,000 to 3,000 feet above the ground. Bird counts are done by using dual-pol radar technology. Radar is commonly used to detect where rain, snow, sleet and hail might be. During bird migration, special radar modes can be used to “see” how many birds are flying.
May is typically when migration numbers surge. So far, 2025 is right on track for migration over Branch County, with big storm systems bringing some of our biggest numbers through the area.
Birds will often catch a ride with speedy winds aloft to make their travel easier. Not all the birds that fly through will stay in Michigan, but experts say it is vital that humans do their part to aid migration safely. Light pollution can be a big problem for birds.
It’s estimated more than a half billion birds die each year from crashing into buildings and other structures.
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