Though we have just officially entered the autumn season, the fall migration of North American birds began back in July as the first shorebirds drifted south through the Heartland. This movement of plovers and sandpipers, from Arctic breeding grounds to southern beaches, will continue into early November.
Meanwhile, other migrations have begun, led by common nighthawks in late August. These insect hunters are still passing through Missouri, joined by summer songbirds throughout September; by mid October, most of these fair-weather species will be gone and winter residents will be arriving from the north. The duck migration, which begins with the exodus of cinnamon and blue-winged teal in September, will continue into December, generally peaking in number and variety by early November; early ducks are accompanied by American white pelicans while cormorants, loons and grebes move with the later groups.
By early November, the migrant geese begin to arrive in America's Heartland, providing some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing of the year. Canada and snow geese dominate the scene, joined by smaller flocks of brants, white-fronted and Ross' geese; as lakes and wetlands begin to freeze over, many will move on to Gulf Coastal marshes. Having begun in July, the fall migration ends by mid December, covering a five month span!
