Vermont Edition Birds to look out for this fall migration season
Oct 9, 2025
Bridget Butler, also known as the 'Bird Diva,' is a naturalist and executive director of Friends of Northern Lake Champlain. She discusses the phenomenal factors behind this year's fall migration, including weather and insect activity. Listeners learn about observing birds at night and the intriguing behaviors of species like noisy blue jays and opportunistic grackles. Bridget shares insights on common nighthawks, the social dynamics of yellow-rumped warblers, and the fascinating interactions between birds and their changing environment.
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Why Birds Migrate At Night
- Millions of birds migrate at night because cooler temperatures, fewer predators, and favorable winds lower energy costs.
- BirdCast radar reveals migration occurs as massive nocturnal waves that vary by weather and region.
Local Migration Can Spike Dramatically
- BirdCast shows local spikes in migration intensity, with Vermont seeing 17 million birds overhead on one peak night.
- Migration magnitude can change nightly and is driven by weather windows like cool, clear nights after rain.
Go Out At Peak Migration Hours
- Step outside at peak hours (around 10 PM in some nights) and cup your ears to hear nocturnal flight calls.
- Use a scope on the full moon to spot silhouettes crossing the lunar disk.
