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Question
Having watched sandhills migrating south through Central Washington state for many years, I'm wondering what prompts their migration. I've conjectured temperature, amount of daylight, position of sun in the sky but have no science to base my opinion on. They were nowhere to be seen this year for the first time on my annual fishing trip (same time and place for 20 years). Thus the curiosity and the question.
It is well known among ornithologists that all migratory birds initiate their migration based upon photoperiod (amount of daylight). The exact date and speed of travel are affected by the weather, but its the amount of daylight that is THE critical factor.
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| Comment | Thank you for your answer. It clarifies a part of the issue. Still wonder what specifically kept them away this year. It was hotter than usual and the air was also inordinately still for the entire week I was there so maybe those were contributing factors. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Roger Lederer
Expertise
Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.
Experience
Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.
Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico
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