The Great Migration — Nature’s Autumn Symphony

As the air cools and the leaves turn, the skies above Ohio begin to tell a story of their own — one written in wings. Each fall, countless birds take to the air, embarking on journeys that span hundreds or even thousands of miles. It’s migration season, and the skies are alive with motion.

You’ve probably seen it already — geese in their V-shaped formations, honking overhead as they chart a path south. But they’re not alone. Warblers, robins, sparrows, blackbirds, and hawks are all part of this incredible mass movement, guided by instinct and starlight toward warmer wintering grounds.

Here in central Ohio, we’re part of a vital flyway — a natural highway for birds traveling from the northern United States and Canada to the southern states and beyond. Many species stop here briefly to rest and refuel, relying on local habitats for food and shelter. That means your backyard trees, gardens, and birdbaths might be more important than you think.

🌾 How You Can Help

🐦 Keep birdbaths filled and clean — migrating birds need dependable water sources.

🌻 Leave seed heads on late-summer flowers like coneflowers and sunflowers.

🌳 Avoid heavy pruning until spring; trees and shrubs provide essential resting cover.

🚫 Skip pesticides — migrating birds often feed on insects to power their long flights.

Every fluttering wing overhead is a reminder of resilience and rhythm — of nature’s ability to adapt, endure, and keep moving forward. So next time you hear that familiar honk from the sky, take a moment to look up and remember: migration isn’t just movement. It’s the living pulse of the season.

---

📸 Have you spotted migrating birds near your home or at The Woods? Send your photos — they might be featured in an upcoming edition of The Whisker Weekly!