Guest Author - Malika Harricharan

I believe that each month is different for birding. And September is a great month to be a birder. September is a great month if you are a seasoned birder or if you are just beginning to get involved in birding.

Why? During the spring migration birds follow a path north through the center of the US, but in the fall, birds travel up the coastline. So, the northeast US is great for birding this time of year. Birds are lured by the warm water of the coast. In addition, there is an abundant supply of fruit and berries that is also a huge draw for the birds during this time of migration.

Cold fronts pass through the northeastern United States bringing songbirds, hawks, shorebirds, waterfowl, and others with them. Songbirds are also plentiful as well. You can expect to see Orioles, Tanagers, Yellow-rumps, Vireos and many, many types of Warblers.

One interesting fact is that many of the migratory birds migrate at night. In fact, most land birds migrate at night instead of during the day. This fills many nights in September with the chirps and calls of these birds.

It is amazing to think how these birds are able to navigate this great distance without any set flight plan. The tailwinds push the birds toward the middle of the ocean and if they are not able to correct their path they will surely perish without any place to land or any food to eat.