The Great Autumn Migration
Even though the turn of seasons in Australia is subtle by global measure, each new seasonal chapter still brings change to our corner of the earth.
Here in Sydney, as we start grabbing a light jacket on the way out the door in the mornings, a phenomenon is taking place right above us. Autumn begins the great annual honeyeater migration north, beginning late March into April and May lasting between six and eight weeks.
Timing, route and numbers migrating depends on a variety of factors, all linked to the general state of things here, including flowering, rain, fires and drought. In 2016, there was a massive migration north, with over 12,000 birds flying each hour recorded in the Blue Mountains, mostly Yellow-faced Honeyeaters (pictured above). It was a time of great drought and little flowering, sending birds in search of greener pastures.
With La Nina producing so much rainfall over the last three years, then a wet El Nino summer, the number of migrating birds will be less, but after the megafires in 2019-20, the birds that do go north will have altered their migration routes to avoid damaged regions.
It’s not only a season of goodbyes, though. As we say farewell to Honeyeaters, Silvereyes and other small birds heading north, we usher down from the mountains Scarlet Robins and Flame Robins (seen above).
As we move into autumn, take notice of any large flocks of birds early in the morning above you. If you’re lucky, you just might catch a glimpse of one of the east coast’s most exciting annual migrations.
Cheers,
SBC
