ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A massive wave of migrating birds filled the night skies over Western North Carolina on Wednesday, with radar estimates showing record-breaking movement across the country.
According to BirdCast, which tracks real-time bird migration using NEXRAD Doppler radar, about 1.25 billion birds were in flight nationwide overnight — a new high for the season. In Buncombe County, an estimated 17.8 million birds crossed the area between 7:10 p.m. Wednesday and 7:30 a.m. Thursday, moving south-southwest at about 33 miles per hour and at an average altitude of 2,100 feet.
The surge was likely triggered by the first major frost and hard freeze of the season in northern states, prompting birds to head south toward warmer climates.
eBird data show that nocturnal migrants most likely passing through the region at this time of year include the American Redstart, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Hooded Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Scarlet Tanager, Black-and-white Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bay-breasted Warbler, Wood Thrush, Yellow-throated Vireo and Swamp Sparrow.
Local bird watchers can follow hawk migration activity at the Mills River Overlook (Mile Marker 404.5) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The annual hawk-watching season runs from September through the end of October, offering a front-row seat to one of nature’s largest migrations. Or you can follow along on the Mt. Pisgah Hawkwatch Facebook page.
Click here to learn more about bird migrations.