Birds and Weather
The reactions of birds to weather have long been noted. For hundreds of years, farmers have used the arrivals of migratory birds to make decisions about planting crops. Changes in the movements of some species is just one indicator of the warming of the Earth's atmosphere. Today, as the rate of warming increases, scientists are exploring how climate change will affect birds and how we can reduce our impact.   

Birds as Indicators
Birds have long been indicators of environmental change, sounding the alarm about the impacts of pesticides, polluted water, and the loss of contiguous forest. Infact it is believed that it?s the birds who first get to know about upcoming earthquake like natural calamity.

Global warming will not only affect climate but may also affect sea level, coastal areas, and the timing of natural events. Climate change may also affect many forms of wildlife, including birds. Changes may occur in the diversity of birds at given locations. Ranges could shift north as species move to areas that match their temperature tolerances .

• Nesting and feeding habitats may change :Temperature changes will affect food availability for some birds. One example is the Gray Jay, which relies on stored frozen food. Populations of Gray Jays are declining in some areas because their stored food supply is thawing out and becoming unsuitable for the birds to eat. Migratory stopovers or breeding areas may be affected

One example can be found in the Sahel region of Africa, used as a stopover by long-distance migrants crossing the Sahara. Reduced vegetation and the depletion of plant life in the Sahel (caused by less precipitation and warmer temperatures) may affect the survival of trans-Saharan migrants, who may not be able to survive the long trip across the Sahara without a suitable stopping point for food, water, and rest.

Changes may occur in the  timing of events such as migration and egg laying :The effects of climate change are already being felt in every part of the journey of migratory birds, from the

timing of migration to egg hatching.

Temperature increases may affect breeding success == if nesting occurs earlier, primary food sources for hatchlings may not yet be available. Commonly known as mistiming, the discrepancy between a bird?s hatch date and the arrival of its food source can affect its survival. For example, Pied Flycatchers have declined by as much as 90% in areas where the food for nestlings (insects) peaks early, and is therefore mistimed for the bay birds needs.

 Nesting: location and behavior :An excellent example of this is found in Horned Puffins, which were recently recorded nesting in arctic Alaska for the first time, possibly because of the increase in snow-free days. Interestingly, the effects of climate change may make conditions more favorable for certain species of birds as they become less favorable for others. As habitat and weather change in response to warming, the ranges of some birds may shift out of a given area while other species(previously unable to breed or live there) may now be able to move in.

Long-distance migrants and birds with limited geographical ranges may not be able to adjust to the changes caused by rising temperatures. Increased competition for habitat and the lack of suitable or available food in new locations also means that the shift northward will not be a permanent solution for bird populations adapting to climate change.  

There is special concern for migratory species like this Red Knot, which breeds in the Arctic regions of Canada. These birds may face large population declines since their ranges cannot shift further north as the temp rises.

 Lets support migratory bird conservation .