In addition to Chapter 2 of the serial story Paper Cut, Kidsbeat looks at bird migration -- how do birds know when it's time to move on?

What birds can you find today in your own backyard?

According to Rhode Island Audubon Society naturalist and birding expert Laura Carberry, Peregrine Falcons, Merlins and American Kestrels -- all winged cousins of the Falcon family -- "are strongly affected by cold fronts and prefer not to
cross large bodies of water. They head south along the coastal areas - Napatree Point in Westerly, Lighthouse Point in New Haven, Connecticut, and Block Island's coastal dunes being three ideal locations to watch the migration. "

For great shorebird and hawk watching, join an Audubon walk at Napatree Point, Westerly on October 11 from 9:30 - 12:30 Contact the Audubon Society for more information and to register.

Endangered-species specialist Michael Amaral came to Providence in June from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to check out three just-hatched Peregrine Falcons and place bands on their legs. The catch? The nest was high above the city on top of a Kennedy Plaza skyscraper! Check out the video!

For more information about migratory bird behavior and migration routes, projects for classes to contribute scientific data, and activities for teachers and students, The Audubon Society recommends the following resources:

Project Feeder Watch

The Great Backyard Bird Count

Hawk Migration Society of North America

The Virtual Birdfeeder

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park Migratory Bird Center

 Tags  Audubon Audubon Society bird migration birds falcons migratory peregrine falcons

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