How do birds prepare for migration?
In preparation for a long migratory flight many birds have to build up extensive energy reserves. For the Brant, this means feeding heavily on eelgrass and sea lettuce. Such reserves (fat supplies) are required to help the Brant make it all the way to their nesting or wintering grounds. What are nesting and wintering grounds? A nesting ground is that area used by birds to mate, build a nest, lay eggs, and raise their young. The Brant’s nesting grounds are in Alaska, northwestern Canada and northeastern Russia. Wintering grounds are areas where birds spend the winter. Many migratory birds fly south in search of their wintering grounds. Here they find warmer temperatures and an increased abundance of food. The Brant fly south from their northern nesting grounds in the arctic to reach their wintering grounds. Most will head straight to Mexico, although some stop along the western coast of North America. Some have even been known to go to Japan! Why are wetlands important during migration?
