The Northern Neck of Virginia Chapter of the National Audubon Society is thrilled to sponsor a Zoom program on climate change as it relates to migrating birds. Our speaker will be Dr. Amanda Gallinat, an ecologist with the USA Phenology Network. Phenology is the study of seasonal and cyclic natural phenomena among plants and animals. The Network was established in 2007 to collect, store, and share phenology and information among any and all parties from scientists to farmers and all others.

Dr. Gallinat’s research focuses on how environmental change affects plants, birds, and their interactions. Her work incorporates current research and historical data such as the actual field notes of Henry David Thoreau, long-term bird banding records, museum specimens and field observations.

“A recent study of 20 years of data looked for and found shifts in the spring and fall migration timing of birds and found that migration is shifting earlier each season, nearly two days per decade”, said Kevin Howe, President of NN Audubon. “While that does not sound like much, it likely will have a profound impact on migratory birds over the decades as other research is indicating a shift in the timing of all bird food sources including flowers, berries and insects.”

Other studies suggest that global warming may also be affecting the timing of vegetation blooms and fruits (berries) or the abundance of insects — factors that can strongly affect the survival of migrating birds. The concern is that these migratory shifts may not be in sync with the abundance of foods that are so necessary during migration.”

Send an email to nnaudubon@gmail.com for the zoom link