The Libertarian: OPA Geography (May 2025)

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Types of Migratory Birds & Their Flyways

Migration refers to the seasonal movement of animals from one location to another, often across regions, in search of food, favorable weather or romantic prospects also known as breeding opportunities. Birds are the most well known migrators, with 20% of overall birds (roughly 1800 different types) being considered migratory. While a small number of these birds relocate locally, such as flapping from the top of a mountain to the bottom and calling it a day, the majority embark on the epic journey across entire continents.

Every year, billions of birds travel the world by high tailing it along the bird highways. Although there are countless bird flyways, regulatory bodies have simplified it into major zones; Americas flyway, African-Eurasian flyway and East Asian-Australasian flyway. This is then broken down into a further eight global flyways that assist governments and conservationists in monitoring, studying and assisting in their preservation, flight paths and stop overs. However, ask a room full of biologists or ornithologists (bird experts) how migration began or the hypotheses of whether they’re migrating from hot to cold weather or cold to hot weather and you’ll get a flock of differing opinions.

Image from: All About Birds

What we do know about migration is that seasonal changes are one of nature’s few reliable features that greatly impacts the state and stability of flight paths. These changes determine breeding ground locations and species survival rates, which has become information shared through learned behaviors passed on throughout each bird generation. Despite the fact that birds follow other birds and act on behavioral instincts, they also have several innate navigating abilities that are more accurate than using Google Maps. Birds are able to memorize the position of landmarks, the sun, stars, interpret the Earth’s magnetic field, use their sense of smell and in some birds activate specialized cells in their eyes that detect polarized light patterns even when flying with low visibility.

Nevertheless, the threat of habitat loss, ecological changes, human-made obstructions and food shortages are current crises to migration zones which have evolved or led to some of the more complex flight paths. This has resulted in more lateral movements across regions or birds migrating to areas uncommon for their species.

Some Birds and their Flight Paths:

• Ruby Throated Hummingbird: Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
  Fact: Weighs as much as a penny and flies 600 miles non-stop twice a year.

Image from: American Bird Conservancy

• Swainson’s Hawk: North America to Argentina.
  Fact: Covers up to 14,000 miles round-trip annually.

Image from: American Bird Conservancy

• White Stork: Europe to Sub-Saharan Africa.
  Fact: Only flys over land routes and uses the same nest for decades, heading towards extinction due flyway collisions such as windmills and tall buildings.

Image from: The Maryland Zoo

• Barn Swallow: Northern Hemisphere to Southern Hemisphere (Africa, South America, Asia).
  Fact: Builds mud nests in the same spot each year. 

Image from: All About Birds

• Purple Martin: North America to Amazon Basin in Brazil
  Fact: Migrates mostly at night.

Image from: All About Birds

• Amur Falcon: Eastern Russia and China to Southern Africa
  Fact: Travels in a flock reaching numbers of tens of thousands strong.

Image from: Birds of the World

References:
All About Birds 2025, The Basics of Bird Migration: How, Why, and Where, Cornell Labs of Ornithology, accessed 19 May 2025, <https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/the-basics-how-why-and-where-of-bird-migration/>.

All About Birds 2025, The Evolution of Bird Migration, Cornell Labs of Ornithology, accessed 19 May 2025, <https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/the-evolution-of-bird-migration/>

Climate Change 2022, Flight Paths, United Nations, accessed 18 May 2025, <https://unfccc.int/news/flight-paths>.

UNEP/CMS 2022, World Migratory Bird Day, UNEP/CMS, accessed 18 May 2025, <https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/>.
Bird Life International 2025, Global Flyways, Bird Life International, accessed 19 May 2025, <https://www.birdlife.org/globalflyways/>.

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Migratory Bird Friendly Cities

Recently, in urban environments, there has been an alarming decline in bird populations due to threats like habitat loss, bird collisions, light pollution, and bird mortality caused by pets. Globally, 49% of all bird species are in decline, and about 1 in 8 species is threatened with extinction, especially migratory birds. The majority of the world’s bird species are unable to fully thrive in human-dominated environments.
Cities are adopting measures to protect migratory birds, especially during their seasonal journeys. Programs like “Lights Out, Texas!” encourage cities to dim lights during migration seasons to prevent incidents. With an estimated over one billion birds dying annually from building collisions in the United States, cities have started incorporating bird-friendly glass and architectural features. An example of this is Apple’s Rundle Mall store in Adelaide, which implemented window decals and reduced lighting to prevent bird collisions.

Image from: Travel Texas

Seattle is another city following this trend, having erected nesting platforms and restored habitats to support species like ospreys. Events like World Migratory Bird Day also promote awareness and encourage community participation in creating bird-friendly environments.

Worker Bee Friendly Cities

Worker bees also face many adversities living in human-dominated environments. Factors such as pesticide overuse, habitat loss, monoculture farming, climate change, light pollution, and invasive species all pose threats to worker bees. Local communities have stepped in to help by growing pollinator gardens, focusing on planting native flora in parks and gardens to provide essential resources. Some cities have transformed vacant lots into urban bee farms, supporting both pollinators and community education. Efforts also include limiting the use of harmful pesticides in urban landscaping and building knowledge through public education.

Image from: National Honey Board

Top 5 Cities for Migratory Birds and Workers Bees
1. San Marcos, Texas, USA
2. Lebos Island, Greece
3. Michigan, USA
4. Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA
5. Chicago, Illinois, USA

Top 5 Cities for Worker Bees
1. Asheville, North Carolina, USA
2. Detroit, Michigan, USA
3.London, United Kingdom
4. Boston, Massagchsetts, USA
5.Seattle, Washington, USA

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A Lifeline for Migratory Birds: Insects

Millions of migrating birds flit their way back from the southern regions and Africa as spring keeps blossoming over Europe. The show of life is seasonal, yet behind the glory, there lies a fragile balance depending on tiny great-grandpas, insects.

For migratory birds, insects are their feast, and breeding time calls for a feast! Being fatty and protein-rich, the insects provide birds with the energy to raise their young and recover from their intense travels. Species of swifts, flycatchers, swallows, and warblers depend absolutely on flying insects.

Studies with more or less-unanimous agreement have suggested that these factors-insecticides, loss of habitat, climate change-have acted synergistically, greatly diminishing their numbers, and somewhat this diminution is, in turn, threatening birds that are dependent on them for A Lifeline for Migratory Birds: Insects.

Image from: Vocal Media

Millions of migrating birds return from their southern wintering grounds and Africa seasonally as spring blooms over Europe. It is a seasonal display of life, but behind the glory, there is a delicate balance relying on little grandfathers, i.e., the insects.

For migratory birds, insects are food, with more demand coming through during breeding. Being high fat and protein, such insects provide birds with energy to raise their young and to regain their strength after the exhaustive journey. Swifts, flycatchers, swallows, and warblers are among those species that rely almost exclusively on flying insects.

Insect availability directly affects bird life. Of late, insect populations have taken a steep plunge due to pesticide use, habitat destruction, and climatic changes. This reduction in insect numbers poses a serious threat to bird species that plan their migrations according to the spring emergence of these insects.

Dr. Eva Jansen, an ecologist specializing in bird migration, explains: “Birds struggle to feed themselves and their eggs if there are fewer insects when they arrive. Even a small mismatch can result in less successful breeding.”

References:
https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/news/2024/world-migratory-bird-day-2024-focus-insects
https://www.birdlife.org/news/2024/05/11/no-insects-no-birds-world-migratory-bird-day-2024/
https://abcbirds.org/whats-good-for-insects-is-good-for-the-birds/
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/may/16/swallows-swifts-house-martins-decline-uk-bird-survey-aoe
https://www.cms.int/en/publication/insect-decline-and-its-threat-migratory-insectivorous-animal-populations

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All about bees!

Common Types of Bees
Bees are vital to global food production. A lot of what we eat relies on their pollination. Crops like almonds, apples, peaches, blueberries, squash, and soybeans, just to name a few, depend on bees transferring pollen from flower to flower. Without wild bees, these foods become scarcer, costlier, and less diverse, threatening both our diets and the stability of natural ecosystems.

Speaking of bees, there’s about 4,000 native bee species, the honey bee and bumblebee are among the most familiar. Honey bees create large, organized hives and contribute largely to our agriculture and honey production. Bumblebees nest underground in smaller colonies and mostly contribute towards cool-climate crops.

Some other types include:

• Mason Bees

Image from: The Mountaineers

• Sweat Bees

Image from: Gardenia.net

• Carpenter Bees

Image from: Dengarden

Extinction of Wild Bees

Since the 1990s, wild bee populations have fallen sharply. Surveys as early as 2006 documented regional declines of 30%, with one year being as high as 40%. Today, eight native bee species are officially endangered, and nearly 40% of pollinators are heading towards extinction. There are a couple things that make an impact on their ecosystem. Habitat loss from pesticide use and monoculture farming strips bees of food and nesting sites. Climate change and its extreme weather disrupts flowering schedules, while pests and diseases weaken colonies. 

Conservation Efforts

Protecting bees starts in our own backyards. Here are some ways you can aid in conservation efforts: 

• Provide these buzzing buddies with some water by filling a shallow dish 
• Plant a variety of native, pollinator-friendly flowers that bloom across seasons. 
• Minimize or avoid pesticides. Even letting a few dandelions bloom can be helpful. 
• Support bee populations by buying local honey from beekeepers.
• Educate yourself on bees and share your knowledge!

References:

Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, Cornell University. “Wild Bees Basics.”
https://www.atkinson.cornell.edu/wildbees/bee/

Indiana University News. “Wild Bee Decline.” 2021.
https://biology.indiana.edu/news-events/news/2021/wild-bee-decline.html

Oklahoma State University Extension. “Honey Bees, Bumble Bees, Carpenter Bees, and Sweat Bees.”
https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/honey-bees-bumble-bees-carpenter-bees-and-sweat-bees.html

Penn State Impact. “Protecting Pollinators.”
https://www.psu.edu/impact/story/protecting-pollinators/

University of Washington. “Consequences of Pollinator Loss.” 2007.
https://depts.washington.edu/triolive/quest/2007/TTQ07077/consequences.html

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10 Fun and Fascinating Facts About Bees

The Earth benefits greatly from bees because these animals rank among its most essential creatures. Bees utilize advanced communication techniques while simultaneously providing essential pollination services that help both ecosystems and human farming. Bees demonstrate their amazing nature through these 10 delightful yet  astonishing facts!

1. Bees have five eyes!
Bees possess two prominent compound eyes while sporting three basic eyes at the top of their head which detect both light and movement.

2. One bee produces only about 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime.
The lifetime contribution of multiple bees is necessary to produce enough honey for a single jar.

3. Bees beat their wings at a rate of 200 times each second.
The fast wing movement creates the distinct buzzing noise which bees make when they are in our vicinity.

4.Bees use the sun as a reference point for navigation in their environment.
Bees understand direction through sun position and track daytime changes with their built-in timekeeping system.

5.Bees communicate their flower location information through the unique dance known as the “waggle dance.”
Through this special movement the bees communicate the location of flowers along with their distance.

6. Worldwide more than 20000 species of bees exist.
The majority of bees do not form hives because they are solitary creatures that build their nests in the soil or in wood or hollow stems.

7. The Queen bee produces a daily average of 2000 eggs in her position.

The hive’s fertile female lives for multiple years while worker bees experience short lives.

8.Scientists found that bees possess the ability to remember human faces.
Findings demonstrate that bees possess the  remarkable skill to tell human faces apart through their advanced visual memory system.

9. Bees serve as the primary pollinators for approximately 75% of all flowering plant species worldwide.
The bees play a vital role in safeguarding both food supply and ecological diversity because they pollinate more than 30% of our daily food.

10.During winter months bees maintain their warmth through group nesting activities and shivering movements.
Honeybees maintain their hive temperature through the formation of tight clusters which activate their flight muscles for shivering even during harsh winter conditions.

Sources:
National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com
Bee Facts for Kids (BBC Earth Kids): https://www.bbcearth.com
The Smithsonian Institution: https://www.si.edu
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations): http://www.fao.org
Scientific American: https://www.scientificamerican.com

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Quiz on Migratory Birds and Essential Bees

Migratory birds remember and return to the same location where they were born.
State true or false.

A: True
B: False

What is the name of the smallest migratory bird?

A: Hummingbirds 
B: Neotropical birds
C: Dark-eyed junco 
D: None of the above

The ________ can fly more than 49,700 miles each year, racking up more miles than any other migratory bird

A: Dark-eyed junco
B: Common Grackle
C: Arctic tern
D: Brown Thrasher

How far will birds travel to find a warmer climate?

A: 100 Miles
B: 200 Miles
C: 300 miles
D: 500 miles
E: 1000 miles or more

Which of these is recognised as the highest-flying migratory bird?

A: Bar-headed geese
B: Brown Thrasher
C: Bullock’s Oriole
D: None of the above

What is a honeybee?

A: A plant visited by bees to collect nectar
B: A hive where bees live.
C: A bee that produces honey.

What is a droner?

A: The male bee
B: The worker bee
C: The queen bee

What is the name of the sticky substance that bees collect from the spring buds of trees, modify with their enzymes, and use to caulk cracks?

A: Propolis
B: Beeswax
C: Beebread

What makes the pollen from the flower stick to the bee’s body?

A: Due to a sticky substance on the bee’s body.
B: Due to the difference in charge on the bee’s body and the flowers.
C: Due to the wind.

Which of the following bee products is partially digested in the honeybee’s gut?

A: Honey
B: Royal jelly
C: Propolis
D: Beebread

Can you answer them all correctly? 😉

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funnyak472

Monkeys. They are cute, fun and very silly. Also VERY INTELLIGENT.

FireOx__
Koala, when i was a child there was a show called “The Adventures of Blinky Bill” which theme song from time to time gets suck in my head. They sleep and eat most of the day, which is polar opposite to me, and they are super cute!.

Kevnn
Dogs. My favourite animal would have to be dogs. They’re one of the most loyal companions we could ever ask for and can really bring anyone’s mood up, no matter how bad of a day you’re having. While it’s true that some dogs would trade their owners for a chicken nugget, I find that dogs have complete and total unconditional love towards you that you can’t get anywhere else!

-:Jok3r
My favorite animal is a Shark 🦈 as scary as they seem and look there are many species who are endangered.

CheesyRyan
Dog.

Rogerology

My favorite animal is tortoise🐢! It’s because they are so cute and chill unlike other animals. Plus they got a shell!

Vilyae

My favourite animal would be a dog, a pretty basic answer but I just love dogs in general. They are very kind, always happy if you are around and they are truly great best friends to have in life.

Kurth

My favourite animal and breed is Miniature Dachshund (Mini Sausage Dog!)