How Hurricanes Affect Migrating Birds

in science •  7 years ago 

A strong storm or hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico affects the human life in ways we have seen on the news. These storms also affect migratory birds too.

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Migrating birds like Brown Pelicans and Magnificent Frigatebirds migrate across the Gulf of Mexico during hurricane season.

Brown Pelican
Magnificent Frigatebird
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Migratory Paths of Birds


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Affect of Hurricanes on Migrating Birds

Deplete Energy (Fat) Reserves

Migratory birds store up fat reserves before starting their migratory flight. Although the migration rarely starts in during a storm or hurricane, some birds that started out during favorable winds may be caught at see during a storm on thier 600-mile Gulf crossing. Fighting against the storm headwinds depletes their energy reserves and some may not have enough energy to survive.

Devastation of Food Source

Before and after migratory flight birds have higher food requirements than normal. Food sources such as fruits and berries can be stripped from trees and shrubs during a hurricanes. In urban environments hazardous materials can leach into vegetation and food bearing areas.

Driven Off-Course

Birds have following migratory paths for centuries. They know where there is fresh water and food along their path. Hurricanes can drive migratory birds off course and into unfamiliar areas. Some may find there way back and others may perish unable to find fresh water and food.

Birds and Hurricanes

Birds and hurricanes have always coexisted. Healthy bird populations bounce back from the natural disasters from these storms.

Sources and Full Articles

How Do Hurricanes Affect Migrating Birds?, The Cornell Lab, 1 July 2014

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This is very important, as rarely we think about other sentient being other than human being.
Thanks for sharing so informative post

While the cost and impact on human life is important, there are also so many other impacts due to what we call "natural disasters" that should not be overlooked. A changing planet is a natural cycle that has far reaching impacts.

Have a great week!
Steem on,
Mike

It is very unfortunate, because there is a natural disaster, the pelicans population is so disturbed. I also hope that the bird population is maintained. Thank you for sharing and giving us the news.

meaning that bird migration might be a sign of a storm in the region.
bird instinct is great.

We only think that we as humans suffer a lot from it but the birds also suffer a lot. Although we have phones, smartphones, social media to track our loved ones and find them but I really wonder how do they find their relatives after the disaster?

I have actually been very curious about this subject. Thanks for steeming it!!!

I didn't know that it effected the birds thanks for sharing