Western Tanager

During fall migration, billions of birds including songbirds, flycatchers and swallows make their way to their southern wintering ranges. Waves of migration can now be accurately predicted up to seven days in advance using weather forecasts and artificial intelligence, according to a new study from biologists at the University of Oxford and Cornell University. The new information could be used to enhance conservation efforts.

Benjamin Van Doren, a doctoral student at the University of Oxford and a Cornell University graduate, said: "Most of our songbirds migrate at night, and they pay close attention to the weather. Our model converts weather forecasts into bird migration forecasts for the continental United States."

During peak migration, up to 420 million birds may pass overhead each night. Accurate forecasts of migration could help reduce bird collisions with windows and buildings and reduce disorientation by city lights. Of course, accurate migration forecasts are also a boon for birders; for instance, when planning an outing to a hawk watch location or another migration hotspot. Cornell’s BirdCast.info provides real-time bird migration forecasts.

See the full story at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180913142002.htm

and check out the impressive website: BirdCast.info