AI Generated Image
Millions of birds taking flight Saturday night over Minnesota
MPR News • • nation
Key Points:
- Approximately 321 million birds are expected to migrate across the continental United States Saturday night, with a significant migration band passing over Minnesota.
- Over 80% of North America's migratory birds travel at night, using darkness and favorable conditions to make long-distance journeys.
- Bird migration typically begins 30 to 45 minutes after sunset, peaking two to three hours later, though it is mostly invisible from the ground.
- Estimates of migration numbers come from weather-radar data and models, not direct bird counts, with BirdCast using radar to forecast migration intensity.
- Minnesotans are encouraged to turn off unnecessary outdoor lights to prevent disorienting migrating birds and reduce the risk of collisions.
