Spring Bird Migration

Contributed by Reston Environmental Advisory Committee

Yellow Warbler - Photo courtesy of REAC

It’s that time of year when nature’s nomads alight in Reston’s woods. The spring bird migration begins in mid-March and lasts through May. Traveling thousands of miles, these charismatic voyagers inspire us to look skyward, rekindle our sense of awe, and connect with nature both locally and across borders.

As the northern hemisphere tilts toward the sun, yellow warblers and ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive in Reston as early as March. Fox and field sparrows, partial or short-distance migrants, may have wintered here and now head north to breed. Others, like Canada, magnolia, and yellow-rumped warblers, pause in Reston to rest and refuel before continuing to the boreal forests.

Warblers such as redstarts, ovenbirds, and yellowthroats make their appearance between April and May. These small, insect-eating Neotropical songbirds—barely nine inches in wingspan and weighing less than half an ounce—migrate from the Caribbean, Central America, and even South America to breed in North America.

In spring, these birds are easier to spot thanks to their bright breeding plumage and frequent singing. To find them along Reston’s trails, bring binoculars, scan forest edges for birds smaller than your palm, and listen for distinct songs. You can even draw them closer with a technique called “pishing”—making soft “pssh” or “psst” sounds.

Yellow Rumped Warbler - Courtesy of REAC

Descendants of dinosaurs, these birds evolved over millions of years to become expert navigators, flying at night by the light of the stars and moon. Both Reston’s summer residents and those passing through use the Atlantic Flyway to reach their destinations—a wonder to witness in our biophilic community.

But artificial light disrupts this ancient journey. As birds fly over urban areas, they’re drawn to outdoor lighting, become disoriented, and often crash into buildings—causing more than a billion bird deaths annually in the U.S. Some become so exhausted they can’t continue.

So, let’s welcome these avian nomads by joining the Bird Safe NOVA Lights Out

campaign in Northern Virginia as it participates in similar campaigns in

Washington D.C., Annapolis, Baltimore, Richmond, Philadelphia, New York City,

Hampton Roads, as well as many other cities. Simply turn off your outdoor lights and

indoor lights not shielded by curtains from 11 p.m. through 6 a.m., from now

through May 30.

In addition, follow DarkSky International’s five principles for

responsible outdoor lighting:

1) Useful; Use light only if needed. All light should have a clear purpose.

2) Targeted: Direct light so that it falls only where it is needed.

3) Low Level: Light should be no brighter than necessary.

4) Controlled: Use light only when it is needed.

5) Warm-Colored: Use warm-colored light where possible.

Want to know more? Check the following sites for more information:

Bird Safe NOVA: https://www.nvbirdalliance.org/bird-safe-nova/

DarkSky International: https://darksky.org