It’s hard work to be a bird ! 🐣 > I will NEVER forget the time I was in upstate NEW YORK - the Canadian goose do their last feeding & resting before taking off for a long migration .. > What’s even more amazing is that I witnessed the LEAD bird - make the calling announcement - which took place for several minutes… and all the other geese became alert & almost agitated - they mimicked the call of the lead bird - and then there was a great gathering from all parts of the countryside where they were resting & feeding - and then they began the running take off - It was a breath taking sight ! They rose up & flew in great circle formations - continuing to call for any late comers still on the ground / The circles grew more populated & wider -the calls continued - It sounded joyful & exciting ! Like - come on - let’s go - we are going !!! And just like that - they were gone …… > I couldn’t believe how awesome it was to witness this event …🤩
Oh what a wonderful thing to witness. How beautiful, I would be just like you. so amazed by what I was seeing. Thanks for sharing it with me. Have a wonderful week ahead
Lesley-----wonderful video packed with info...my wife and daughter and grandkids loved it also.Cant believe a bird can fly from Alaska to New Zealand. I want to thank you for taking me away from the crazy world we live in and bring peace and happiness
If you enjoyed the video. Liking, Leaving a comment, or sharing it on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, etc. helps out in a HUGE way. From myself and my bird buddies, thank you ALL for watching. It's greatly appreciated!
Migrating birds is a great subject. In some areas a wide variety transit. Still can't figure out what I spotted taking a break in an open field while overseas. It's amazing to see a flock of birds once in awhile migrating together. Some of them around the world are pretty big birds and easy to notice way up there.
Thank you Lesley! What amazing information! I had no idea that these wonderful creatures could change and adapt their bodies so dramatically. Thank you for always teaching me something new in such an entertaining way. It's always a pleasure to watch your videos.
I had a Gray-cheeked Thrush stop in my yard for food (natural berries) and a birdbath visit during fall migration a few years ago. I am still honored that of all the places that bird could have stopped on its 2,000+ mile journey, it chose my yard for a safe place to rest and rejuvenate.
I was amazed to learn they will ‘use’ up muscles for migration. Our Mountain Ash trees are so laden with berries this year. The robins are really enjoying them. Thanks Leslie!
Same here Eleanor. There are so many very full and beautiful Mountain ash this year. It is so nice to see because it's been a few years now(since 2018) that we have such a great production. Winter will be beautiful here this year. Thanks for the nice comment. Have a wonderful day
It's always fascinating spring and fall to look at the local doppler radars online (available publicly for weather) and certain times of day you can see the millions of birds crossing the beams in their migrations.
I was at my favourite IBA yesterday and there were thousands and thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds feeding and preening getting ready for migration. There was a continual rustle of noise coming from them as went about being birds. Birds are always busy, totally engaged in the moment.... I wish I was more like them. Great video, so well composed!
Years back, had a hummer hover in the light spray from my garden hose while watering the lawn. It was just before migration time around the 2nd week of September. I imagine he/she was getting the wings prepped for the long flight, idk. Never saw that before.
That is such a special and magical thing to have happen!! Our water spigot used to have a leak and a fine mist of water would spray up in the air when we were using the hose end, for example when watering the garden. I loved watching the hummingbirds hover in mid-air as they took their "baths" in the mist! They looked like little fairies 🧚♂️🧚♀️ in the sun! My husband has since fixed the leak... I think that was the first time I was disappointed he fixed something!
Fascinating facts and I think my favourite that I hadn't known about was the sleeping with one eye closed to give half their brain rest. We're getting more and more of the migrant birds moving back south through the Ottawa area now. For me, despite seeing all of the geese, gulls, and larger migratory birds, I'm most impressed by those small warblers that are making their way south all the back to Central and South America. For their size, that's a most impressive journey. Thanks for sharing and happy birding!
Lesley has shown me a perspective on birds that I never imagined. I have watched most of her videos, I think, and I have read several books on birds. How and where they migrate to and from is fascinating. From watching Lesley's videos, as well as readings, I have come to realize that birds are unique creatures. They are far more intelligent than I thought. But most important, perhaps, they are beautiful and amazing fellow creatures. Watching them is enriching.
In my opinion birds and a lot of other creatures on this earth are more intelligent than humans. We are so smart that we are destroying ourselves and our home.
Lesley, How timely this video. I’m currently in Panama in a tall apartment building on the Pacific coast. Just before dusk I looked out of the window to the sight of hundreds of barn swallows heading south, which is east on this coast. They were flying as they always seem to, and it was clear they were catching insects on the wing as they flew. I have witnessed a similar event on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica in April but then, my old friends were flying north. Again they were clearly catching their meals on the wing, like a drive-thru for birds.
@@chriscarlsen2100 When you grow up in the northern part of the US watching the barn swallows catching bug as they follow the mower around the hay field or see them swoop down from behind on a cat only to cheap as they veer away, it’s quite a surprise to see your summer time buddies so far from “home”.
Just Wow. This video is amazingly informative in such a short span of time. I knew that migration is physically very challenging, but I had no idea how many phenomenal adaptations birds have developed. They truly are fantastic, amazing creatures! Thanks for all the work that went into this!
Hey thank you very kindly for watching and for leaving a nice comment. I am so happy that you enjoyed learning about all the incredible ways that birds transform their bodies for the big event. Have a wonderful week ahead
@@LesleytheBirdNerd You're welcome, Lesley. I watch your videos often, and am always impressed with the info, the videography, and your amazing relationship with your local birds--all of which take incredible skill and patience! The friends I've shared them with say the same thing. Keep up the great work, and we'll keep watching!🥰
I’ve always watched Canada geese doing practice flights to build muscles and teach formation discipline. They are a nice sight against an autumn sky. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
@@LesleytheBirdNerd And, they’re even more “interesting” as they approach, and come close to intersecting my line of flight. They get an astonished look on their face, and take immediate evasive action. I suppose that I mirrored that astonished look. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
We have five Ruby-throated Hummingbirds that come to our hummingbird feeder, and they come many many times each day. There is always one or two dominant hummingbirds that fight off the other 3 by chirping, flapping their wings, and chasing them around our house. It is so comical to watch them! I will be sad when they migrate South, but I read somewhere that they return back to the exact same place every year to breed. I am hoping to see all 5 of them next Spring!
Can you please do a video on the "Killdeer" bird? They are all over the place in Ky USA and I am not sure if you have them up north but they are entertaining to watch, I personally call them "parking lot seagulls" as they are always screeching like one when they are flying and they are always walking around any paved surfaces, and the way they behave and walk it is like they just float along and their little legs go 100 mph with no bounce whatsoever, check them out if you have never seen one, they are pretty cool and amusing to observe.. Thanks! Always enjoy your bird videos! Keep them coming!
I’ve added thee more nectar feeders to the already two here with additional sugar Changing-cleaning feeders every three days …now Consumes 1 1/2 pints every three days… Amazing as this year I focused on this Particular bird… this season proved quite rewarding… I’m presently planing my winter sanctuary for all birds who remain here in SE Michigan…
The reliance on foods from native plants makes me feel good about my landscaping choices over thirty years ago. So worthwhile! I had no idea how migration affects those tiny little bodies - amazing. One of your most important and fascinating videos, of all your valuable offerings. Definitely a keeper!
Fascinating! I gained more bird knowledge...THANKS👍 I've noticed in the last week our Ruby Throated Hummers are fattening up. The Red Wing Blackbirds have left already, as well as Grackles. Could be early snow & lots of cold this winter.
@@mamiemonrovia7654 Central Iowa. I was fortunate to run into a flock of Blue Winged Teal this morning. Them & 2 Bald Eagles. I was hunting rock on the river, so I stopped to watch them. Teal are certainly funny little ducks.
You are so very GREAT ! LOVING CARING INFORMATIVE AND HAVE SUCH A LOVE AND CARE FOR ALL BIRDS AND NATURE !!! GOD BLESS YOU AND FAMILY !! ✝️🌹ALL YOU DO IS AMAZING ! YOU ARE HELPING AND SAVING THE BIRDS AND HELPING SO MANY PEOPLE TOO!!!
*Its so sad :/ all my male hummingbirds have already left my area...curious to see if any females are still their..heading out to off-grid cabin tomorrow. Great stuff Lesley!*
At SE Michigan the males are brilliantly colored ruby throated ….females are more neutral tones Last Saturday 09-04 I witnessed many males at the feeders today no males seen however many females were filling up today 09-06…I have five active feeders The last two weeks I made a more concentrated nectar 3:1 ratio …
@@joniangelsrreal6262 thanks for the detailed explanation. I have also made a stronger mix. I seen 1 female when I got here yesterday. I leave a few feeders up for the migrating guys coming down from the north...my grandma always used to say “we don’t want to encourage them to stay when they have to fly to South America” LoL
@@joniangelsrreal6262 a LOT of people don't understand how easy it is making nectar...and using non GMO C&H sugar as well as providing nectar at ALL times if have a few wintering OVER..i usually have 4 or 5 but last winter was especially ice COLD, but I made sure their nectar was always unfrozen...
Very informative and interesting video Lesley! Really enjoyed learning how they prepare for their long journey. My male hummingbirds have left, but 2 females have been sticking around. I’ve seen an abundance of chickadees and Titmice this week. Have a wonderful week LesleyN
I've noticed the Chickadees as well reclaiming their favourite hedges and bushes along the trails here in Ottawa. They must be happier to have a little more space with the migrant birds moving south!
Wow! Such amazing little fellas they are. I had no idea about all it took a bird to get ready to migrate. All the info is just incredible to learn. Thank you Lesley for all that you share about our feathered friends. It’s a real treat to see a new video show up from you! 💕🦜💕
I'm so happy that you enjoyed learning about these fascinating ways that birds prepare for migrations. I was a little blown away as I researched about it. Incredible. Thank you for the wonderful comment and for watching. Have a lovely week ahead
Really interesting, thank you! I thought the most interesting was how they can close one eye to rest half their brain, while the other half remains alert for dangers... simply amazing!
I didn't know that their internal organs changed. That's truly amazing. My little hummingbirds will be leaving soon. I'll be thinking of them as they make their long journey and hope to see them next year.
Lesley, I’m a homeschool mama and we are doing a North American bird unit right now & you are our daily favorite! We are learning so much from you! Thanks 💛
Quite extraordinary! Most of that info was news to me. Love all the birds in the video; they are so pretty. I learned recently that in some birds, when trying to find a mate, the part of their brain concerned with their songs grows to twice its normal size! Then it shrinks back when the mate is found. They truly are amazing.
Napping while in flight! Reminded me of the times I nodded off momentarily while driving my car. Fortunately, I never remained semi-comatose for more than a second or two, but still I remember the jolt of the experience. I enjoyed this video tremendously.
I had no idea that birds can consume their own muscles to find a source of water during those dehydrating long flights! Fascinating info to think about as I sit watching my overwintering (upstate NY) nuthatches, downy woodpeckers and black capped chickadees hanging out at my window feeder. Thanks Lesley!
Incredible video. Sleeping while flying was interesting. Learned a lot from this video. Saw my hummingbird friend this morning flying around my hedges. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take a picture. They fly so fast. I was hoping it would stop and enjoy the flowers blooming in the hedges. Wish I knew how to identify plants and flowers. I was told the flowers are rose of sharon. The white fluffy flowers look like snow fell on the hedges. I love it.
This is fascinating! I do watch and feed my backyard birds, but learned so much from this video. Last spring I fattened up dozens of yellow-rumped warblers for their migration north. Now I am feeding live mealworms and the Carolina wrens are gobbling them up. They even scream at my window or visit me on the ledge just outside my window to let me know the supply is low! I saw a Carolina wren in the early part of your video, and wonder if they might migrate. I have seen them year round in my yard (southeast Virginia) but have really been following them only since the pandemic started. Thank you so much, Lesley!
Aww that is so kind of you to take care of those Yellow rumped warblers like that. Thank you and how awsome about those adorable little Carolina Wrens. 🐦❤
What a great & informative video! I have noticed how plump the hummingbirds were getting at my feeders! Thanks as always, Lesley. We really enjoy your videos.
I have three hummers at my feeder. They come to eat around every 10 minutes. They fight a lot. The most amazing creatures. They are so delicate, but fierce at the same time. They remind me of a Chihuahua that think's it is a German Shepard. I am going to miss them.
How nice to have them visiting, and I like your analogy of them. They are fierce little birds for sure. Thanks for the watching and for the nice comment. Have a wonderful week ahead
I loved every detail in it, Leslie. Especially the 1000 beats and 3000 wing flaps of the hummingbird. How astonishing. Also, I wish I could get more energy from a 9 second nap. More. More!! And Thank You!!!
Haha! I don't think I've ever noticed a little songbird scratching its neck like the one at 7:44. Must be part of the recovery exercise required after a long migration!
We have some major respect for these cute little birds! We had to drive just under 2,000 miles for our recent move and we had to stop MANY times to rest. To imagine birds flying way more than that (without any coffee either😱 lol) is amazing! It is truly awesome how God made them to be able to do this. Very informative video as usual! Thanks!🙂
Lesley your videos are really impressive! I have been hooked on birds whether capturing their images with my camera or watching them at my bird feeder. Thanks so much for all you do with the bird knowledge that you pass on to your youtube audience.
The only bird I find as amazing as the godwit is the Ruppel's gryphon vulture, which is capable of flying as high as jets fly, over 30,000 feet high. They must think us humans are primitive with our two legs and no wings.
Well I have to admit I didn't know any of these. All are very fascinating. Just when I think I know about birds I learn something new about them. Thank you Leslie! My mom is still feeding humming birds. She was wondering about when they will leave. I told her they will know when to go Just keep feeding them until than. ❤🌾🐦🦉🦆😊
I hear you. It seems as though there is always something new to learn about those wonderful creatures. You are right, the hummingbird will go on their way when they are ready. Thanks for watching and for the nice comment. Have a wonderful week ahead
Thank you so much for putting this video together. I have been so intrigued with how birds migrate, I've been reading so much lately on this subject. It amazes me! This was so informative and well put together. Another awesome video. Thank you for putting in the time and research into these videos for us. Your the best. 👍
There is a wildlife refuge not far from where I live that has lots of small lakes, ponds, etc. I have a nice pair of 10x50 binoculars, a bird guide, and a nice insulated coffee mug waiting to see what comes by. Thanks again for ANOTHER wonder video.
Now that sounds wonderful. I hope you have a great time watching. Fall migration is nice. Thank you for watching and for leaving a nice comment. Have a great week ahead
I actually just had 2 different ruby throats at my Hummingbird feeder right before I began watching this video. I've definitely been noticing them more so, in the last few weeks .😁👍🏻 I appreciated the facts you shared about them. Wonderful video, Ms. Lesley. ♡
Leslie, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for what you do. When I first watched your videos I was excited to learn more about our feathered friends. I had no idea how it would change me. Since then, I have learned so much more ... even about me. I could never have imagined how sociable the birds in my backyard are, how much my interaction with them has changed my habits and made me a better observer of all things nature. Now, when I step out in the morning to feed them, chickadees, titmice, cardinals, blue jays, and (as of late) mourning doves, wait for me. I have planted native berries in my yard and will continue to bird-scape more and more in the years to come. Thanks again for educating us. Your gift of teaching and tender heart is so evident!!!! Please keep going. Oh ... and ... I started feeding my chickadees with live mealworms 😂 ... yep birdnerd all the way.
You are so welcome, Heidi. I can't tell you how much joy it brings me to read comments like yours. The birds changed me and opened my eyes and mind when I began over 11 years ago. To see other's having similar experiences means so much to me. Thank you for sharing with me. By the way, it's so awesome about you having all of those darling birds waiting for you in the mornings and you have even planted native berry shrubs for them. :) Love it . I'm thinking of buying some mealworms for my birds soon. I don't normally feed it to them but I have before. Have a great day fellow birdnerd!
I live in S. Arizona a few miles from the Santa Cruz River, one of only 2 migration routes across the Sonoran Desert. Last year I intercepted a flock of White Crown Sparrows on their way to Mexico from Canada. They stopped at my water dish and later that day discovered I throw seeds out at dawn and an hour before dusk, so they stayed. One morning a month later, they were all at the water dish looking and chirping like mad at me through the window. I thought the water must be low, but when I got out there I saw there was a thin layer of ice on their water and they couldn't drink. From then on at dawn each day I broke the ice off their water dish and they stayed all winter. I now think that's what makes the little guys fly so far south, their water sources freeze over farther north.
Lesley this was fabulous! We have several plants and bushes that provide food for birds. I hope they all make is south safely! Oh and I can't think of a thing you could have added, all was terrific:)
Thank you so much for such an informative and enjoyable video. I love doing my small part in helping these amazing creatures along their way and I am repaid many times over by the enjoyment of watching them.
Wow! I I did not know most of this! Thanks for putting the time into making this video for the rest of us. You just helped thousands of people (or will have as the video gets viewed :)!
Astounding is right. I had no idea how much the birds go through to make their migratory journeys. One day in autumn in the mid 80s I was going into a restaurant from the parking lot and noticed what looked like a pipeline in the sky. Fairly far away, it was an incredible number of birds, probably the many blackbird species (Icterids) that flock together. I couldn't believe how many! Even more amazing, after a leisurely lunch I went outside and they were still coming in that pipeline formation. I'll never forget it.
I recently planted 6 native berry shrubs(Alder berries, winter berries & beauty berries) for our birds. When planting some of these(like the winter berries), people need to know that you need both a male & female plant, planted together in order for the bushes to produce berries.😊
Thank you, Leslie, it's fascinating and amazing spiritually, to hear about these little miracles. The distances these little guys travel are stunning to comprehend.
i'm hooked on this channel. and a benefit would be naming the plants as they are shown on screen. I'm sure many r wild and could be cultivated b4 being ripped up as weeds
