The phenomenon of global warming is affecting every aspect of our biosphere. The most visible effect being is that of climate change. People all over the world are experiencing unprecedented events as scientists try to explain the reason behind them. Rising world temperature is contributing to the untimely ripening of fruits, unseasonal flowering of certain plant species and now to the changes in migration patterns of birds aswell. Bird migration refers to the regular seasonal journeys undertaken by many avian species. Migrations are both long-distance and short-distance flights. These are made in response to changes in food availability, habitat or weather. For the migrating species, these trips are essential for the perpetuation of their species, as change in weather determines their breeding cycles. Ornithologists report that, many birds are arriving earlier each spring along the East Coast of the United States due to soaring temperatures.

Researchers and scientists at Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences and Boston University examined the spring migrations of 32 bird species along the coast of eastern Massachusetts since 1970. Their study reflects that out of 32, eight bird species are passing by Cape Cod significantly earlier on their annual trek than they were nearly four decades ago. Rise in temperature due to global warming is held responsible for this shift in pattern. However, there are certain bird species (like the great crested flycatcher) which are slow to respond to the change in temperature. Despite the heating up of their to and fro destinations, the migration time of such species is not changing thus, reflecting an inability of these birds to follow climate change. We all know, nature favours those who can withstand changes (‘survival of the fittest’ as described by Darwin). Such a scenario could have serious repercussions for these birds. As temperatures continue to warm, these slow to change birds, now face a question of adaptation and survival in a rapidly changing habitat.

Via ScienceDaily