September is the peak month for the fall migration of many bird species. Species that nest to our north head south following the warmer temperatures. Most birds eat either seeds or insects, so the cold or often snowy conditions leave limited opportunities for food.
Interestingly, most of the birds that pass through West Florida are female birds, with a majority of the males choosing other flyways. Flyways are preferred paths that the birds follow to their wintering grounds. Over the years, ornithologists have tracked birds via radar to map the different flyways over the United States. Raptor birds will also migrate, following their prey.
Sometimes huge kettles of hawks and other raptors will pass by our area. The Florida Keys Hawk Watch will often count thousands of birds passing in a single day! So, if you have the opportunity to get outdoors in Florida this fall, keep your eyes up and see what you can see!