The wonders of animal migration are pretty fascinating, if you think about it. How on earth does a bison know how to navigate each year, or birds manage to fly halfway across the world, or whales know which countries to swim to, in order to breed? There is so much wisdom here.
Atlas of Amazing Migration is a beautiful celebration of our planet’s most extreme journeys, illustrated by the talented artist Matt Sewell. Learn how mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, insects and even plants battle through the Earth’s toughest conditions, in order to survive. Follow flocks of Arctic terns on their annual 40,000 KM journey between the earth’s poles. Join the monarch butterflies on their pilgrimage from Canada to Mexico. Awe at wildebeest, humpback whales, salmon, and dragonflies, and find out how they navigate using chemicals, the sun and/or the earth’s magnetic field.
The wonders of animal migration are pretty fascinating, if you think about it. How on earth does a bison know how to navigate each year, or birds manage to fly halfway across the world, or whales know which countries to swim to, in order to breed? There is so much wisdom here.
So how do animals migrate? Scientists believe it’s due to birds having tiny magnetic portions in their brains, that act like an internal compass. However, not all goes well: some birds get lost, especially in bad weather. The warming climate also affects migration patterns, with the chiffchaff (a tiny bird that flies from England to Africa) and blackcap beginning to stay in England all-year, due to changing weather.
Most animals migrate to breed and raise their young. Some wildlife migrates to the UK to escape extreme cold (whooper swans for instance, visit from Iceland in winter). Other species migrate within England, moving between north and south, or high/low ground.
When humans start building over everything, migration becomes dangerous. Motorways pose hazards, as they are often built in the opposite dimension to natural migration patterns, without anyone bothering to note which ways animals travel. Read about wildlife crossings.
How Litter Affects Migration
You’ve likely guessed. The plastic and litter problem is causing all kinds of issues. National Geographic reports that ocean litter is now causing many marine creatures (turtles, whales, seabirds) to change routes. Others follow the same routes and can tangled up in fishing line etc. Turtles often have flippers severed, which stops them returning to the beaches where they were born, to give birth themselves. Many birds can’t maintain enough fat for migration, because accidentally consuming plastic debris, means their digestion is impaired.
Which Birds Migrate To & From England?
Birds are our main migrants, many stop off on the Scilly Isles for a rest, as it’s warmer! Millions of birds travel the world (often from West Africa) like the tiny chiff chaff, which weighs no more than a £1 coin! The reason birds migrate is usually to feed or breed, as the weather is better. A few birds also migrate within the UK, and climate change is making this dangerous, due to non-natural temperatures. If birds get lost, they are known as ‘vagrant birds’ as many get lost due to the wind or possibly just don’t have good senses of direction. The warmer temperatures also means some birds that previous went south, are now staying here, as the weather warms (not good, as it negatively affects other species).
People often assume that robins have migrated, if they are only seen for part of the year in gardens. In fact, most robins (that usually only live for one year) usually are very territorial and won’t move far. But a few do come in from Europe with the sunshine. See how to help our garden birds.
Which Creatures Abroad Migrate?
- Arctic terns are tiny birds that take earth’s longest journey, from up top near the Arctic all the way to the bottom of the earth. This little feathered friend travels 55,000 miles each year!
- Wildebeest go on a mass migration when they have no rainfall, these are the ones when you turn your head away, as a crocodile inevitably gets one. 1.5 million of them go on a mass migration in Africa, to find water.
- Basking sharks can be found in Scotland. They are harmless to humans, but also migrate, keeping their huge mouths open in what artist Matt Sewell calls a ‘suspended yawn’.
- Other creatures that take epic migrations include blue whales and sharks, crabs (Christmas Island), seals, bats and monarch butterflies.
I am happy to know that not all species are forced to need passports and visas, to experience new lands. Rajesh, Random Cosmos
When you feel neglected, think of the female salmon. Who lays 3 million eggs, but no-one remembers her on Mother’s Day. Sam Ewing
Wherever love is, I want to be. I will follow it as surely as the land-locked salmon finds the sea. Jeanette Winterson
I have seen salmon swimming upstream to spawn, even with their eyes pecked out. Even as they are dying, as their flesh is falling away from their spines. I have seen them swim upstream, with huge chunks bitten out of their bodies by bears. They will not give up. This gives me hope. Kathleen Moore
Migration seems to be written into the genes of animals, so that they know when to travel and where to. One study found that some birds seem to use the stars to navigate, just like sailors of old. We all know that nature is an amazing thing, but you’ll be stunned by the stamina, strength and smartness of these creatures. And once you see what they go through, I hope you won’t start complaining next time your trip to the shops, took longer than usual! Matt Sewell
Beautiful Books on Animal & Bird Migrations
Wintering is the story of Stephen’s move to Dumfries in Scotland, coinciding with migration of thousands of pink-footed geese who spend their winter in the Firth. The book takes you on a vivid tour of landscapes that geese inhabit, to celebrate the short days, varied weathers and long nights of the season. Also see how to help our ducks & geese and how to help our beautiful swans.
The Sea Swallow and the Humpback Whale is the tale of two journeys, as they share the challenge f an epic voyage, as the Arctic summer fades. Follow the animals on their perilous adventure, as they face drifting fishing nets, lurking killer whales, relentless rain and fierce icy winds. This experience is one of nature’s longest animal migrations. Catherine Barr worked for Greenpeace before becoming editor at Natural History Museum.
Barney Goose: A Wild Atlantic Adventure is a story from the Emerald Isle. Tom the lighthouse keeper finds an egg washed up on the beach in West Cork. When it hatches, young Barney Goose lives happily with him, until he feeds a need to fly. What will Barney find, as he travels the Wild Atlantic Way? Carol Ann Treacy is an Irish children’s author and illustrator. She sometimes wishes she could fly and thinks geese are great. Honk!
Animal Migration: Amazing Journeys follows epic journeys and know why animals know when it’s time to go and why they make these journeys each year. And how changing climate is changing behaviour.
- The greater snow geese travel more than 2500 miles and fly in family cocks
- Humpback whales have magnetic material in their brands to navigate
- Aquatic reptiles migration hundreds or thousands of miles
- The Arctic Tern travels 25000 miles from Pole to Pole each year.
