A strong storm or hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico affects the human life in ways we have seen on the news. These storms also affect migratory birds too.
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Migrating birds like Brown Pelicans and Magnificent Frigatebirds migrate across the Gulf of Mexico during hurricane season.
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Migratory Paths of Birds
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Affect of Hurricanes on Migrating Birds
Deplete Energy (Fat) Reserves
Migratory birds store up fat reserves before starting their migratory flight. Although the migration rarely starts in during a storm or hurricane, some birds that started out during favorable winds may be caught at see during a storm on thier 600-mile Gulf crossing. Fighting against the storm headwinds depletes their energy reserves and some may not have enough energy to survive.
Devastation of Food Source
Before and after migratory flight birds have higher food requirements than normal. Food sources such as fruits and berries can be stripped from trees and shrubs during a hurricanes. In urban environments hazardous materials can leach into vegetation and food bearing areas.
Driven Off-Course
Birds have following migratory paths for centuries. They know where there is fresh water and food along their path. Hurricanes can drive migratory birds off course and into unfamiliar areas. Some may find there way back and others may perish unable to find fresh water and food.
Birds and Hurricanes
Birds and hurricanes have always coexisted. Healthy bird populations bounce back from the natural disasters from these storms.
Sources and Full Articles
How Do Hurricanes Affect Migrating Birds?, The Cornell Lab, 1 July 2014
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