ENVR 290 Climate Change Effects on Bird Migration Since 1990 (2025)

Our project investigates the effect of climate change on avian migration patterns. Climate change influences food availability as well as the timing of mating season and of migration for bird communities. We focused on three species: the American Robin; the Red-Winged Blackbird; and the Turkey Vulture. These species comprise a majority of species in the North Country and are relatively well studied. We gathered data from several online sources, including Cornell’s E-Bird and Merlin app, and we ventured outdoors and studied these species firsthand at three local New York sites: the village of Potsdam’s Munter trail; SUNY Potsdam’s Lehman Park; and Wilson Hill, in Massena. Our study shows what we know about how these species have adapted to climate change and gives an idea of how to help all avian species thrive in the coming years.