Fall migration is upon us!

There is a chill in the air, the shadows are long and the daytime sky is the color of the deep blue feathers on a peacock.  It is Fall and a favorite season for me and my children.  All of the changes that are occurring outside are exciting, beautiful and so visible!

A regular topic of discussion in our home this time of year is fall migration.  It's one of the wonders of nature that always fascinates me, and especially, my kids.  I enjoy telling them the "why" and "how" of it all.  I find it is a fantastic way to teach them about seasonal changes and the effects the seasons have on nature and animals. Teaching migration to children helps their powers of observation, which is an important skill needed in the study of science.

According to MSN Encarta, migration is the "seasonal or periodic movement of animals in response to changes in climate or food availability, or to ensure reproduction. Migration most commonly involves movement from one area to another and then back again" 
Now is the time to head outside to look for migrating animals.  Some of the easiest to spot, depending on where you live, are monarch butterflies and Canada geese.  You can often hear the geese long before you can see them.  You may also see many other species of birds congregating in groups as they pass through your neighborhood.  Each animal you see has a story --- a particular destination and a interesting lesson behind it.  Below is a list of common animals you see migrating with links to either cool videos or helpful information you can use to teach your children. 

If you have interest in teaching your kids about migration, check out these links to some great info and videos.
Monarch butterflies
Canada Geese
Flickers
American Robins
Sandhill Cranes
Red-tailed hawks
Bald eagles
Turkey vultures

There are hundreds of animals migrating this time of year and some of the most amazing migrations are seen by very few people.  Several of the more well-know ones are:
Hummingbirds
Blue whales
Caribou
Salmon

I hope you enjoy reading the information and watching the videos I provided.  Have I  inspired to spend some time outside this week helping your kids spot migrating animals?  If so, please take a moment share with me what you saw by posting to my comments page.  Thank you!

Photo credit:  © Galyna Andrushko | Dreamstime.com