Why are birds flying south in late July? Don't they normally do this in the Fall?

Question

Birds are seen flying south in early morning in perfect V formation. They fly approximately 200 feet above ground level. Never seen before.

Answer 1

Global warming has changed migration patterns in recent years. Many geese no longer even bother to migrate. In my area (NY state) geese never stayed year round 30 years ago and rarely laid their eggs here, but now it isn't unusual.

I also have seen geese apparently migrating in the wrong direction a number of times, and they were very high, not just flying around locally. Maybe they vary their migration more now, since the temperature isn't the critical factor that it used to be.

Answer 2

Migration for some species can begin during the mid-summer. Hummingbirds are already well into their migration. Northern species are being seen in some more southerly states at this time. It may be dependant on the length of the migratory route. The longer the migration....the earlier it starts. some species migrate up to 10,000 miles.....central and northern Canada to the southern areas of South America. The only way to know for sure if a bird is migrating during this time of year is to be familiar with the breeding birds for your area.

Answer 3

Chances are they are flying locally. They usually only fly south after nesting is completed for the year, and if you're in Texas, you've got several weeks yet to go.

Answer 4

It's probably just a local migration, but it could be that the birds are as confused as we are by all this strange weather.

Answer 5

has nothing to do with the normal migration pattern.
they are just going to/from some local area for food or nesting.

Answer 6

I have observed that too, several times over the past few years.
It always seem to coincide with nasty weather (thunderstorm, hurricane) further North, and it appears they temporarily are trying to avoid that.

Answer 7

get ready for an early winter ok boy it seem to be getting cold here early this year