[dropcap]D[/dropcap]on’t look now, but bird migration is well underway. We are located on the central flyway and birds are passing overhead in increasing numbers, headed south to warmer weather. Hawks, falcons, kites, shorebirds, hummingbirds, orioles and warblers – all take note when temperatures fall and head south.
It’s quite amazing how young birds, such as sanderlings, only recently born in Arctic areas of Canada, know exactly what path to take to wind up in warm climates for the winter. And most of this migrating is done at night, with birds stopping to feed during the day.
How do they stay awake on long night flights? Interestingly, birds have developed a system that allows them to “sleep” without actually shutting down like humans do. They take “micro naps” that allow them to catch up on sleep.
These naps last about 30 seconds to a minute and are taken throughout the day. They allow the bird to rest alternate sides of their brain and the corresponding eye. This allows many of the benefits of regular sleep without the unconsciousness that would make the bird vulnerable to predators.
People sometimes use the phrase “bird brain” in a negative manner – obviously, a bird’s brain is really quite amazing.
