Avid birders look forward to the spring and fall migration seasons, when seasonal residents and migrants mingle with permanent residents, greatly increasing the diversity of avian species in any given area. By June (in the Northern Hemisphere), spring migration is usually complete and the "autumn migration" will not begin until July; one might thus suggest that June is the least interesting month for birders, especially with regard to unexpected sightings.
By mid July, shorebirds begin to migrate southward and will continue to do so for several months. Waterfowl, songbird and some raptor migrations are underway by late summer, continuing into December for certain species of geese. Some might argue that January is also devoid of migrants but vertical and irruptive migrations occur throughout the winter. By February, geese, sandhill cranes, American white pelicans and other select species begin to head northward and the spring avian migration will continue through May.
That brings us back to June, a time when summer residents have settled in and, in many cases, already have a brood to raise. June can certainly be a pleasant month to scour the fields, forests and wetlands for additions to one's personal life list but migrants (except for a straggler or two) will not likely grace the scene.
By mid July, shorebirds begin to migrate southward and will continue to do so for several months. Waterfowl, songbird and some raptor migrations are underway by late summer, continuing into December for certain species of geese. Some might argue that January is also devoid of migrants but vertical and irruptive migrations occur throughout the winter. By February, geese, sandhill cranes, American white pelicans and other select species begin to head northward and the spring avian migration will continue through May.
That brings us back to June, a time when summer residents have settled in and, in many cases, already have a brood to raise. June can certainly be a pleasant month to scour the fields, forests and wetlands for additions to one's personal life list but migrants (except for a straggler or two) will not likely grace the scene.
