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Bird fallout or migration fallout is the phenomenon resulting from severe weather preventing migratory birds from reaching their destination. This can occur while birds are traveling south or returning to their breeding grounds. Due to the distance travelled, birds will not have enough energy to continue flight when encountering high winds. This exhaustion results in a large amount of birds resting in one area. This may be extremely stressful on the birds as well as the surrounding ecology. Bird fallout isn’t particularly common, as it stems from the chance event of severe winds found in inclement weather. Due to the rare occurrence of a migratory fallout, as well as the abundance of birds resting in a single location, it is a sought after event for birders.

Consequences

There can be some significant consequences due to birds encountering severe weather during their migratory flyway. Late arrival to their destination can lead to a delay in reproduction, or even a higher mortality rate. Due to the large number of birds resting, a lack of shelter and food becomes a large concern for the survival and propagation to the wintering destination.

Notable Incidents

The most notable incident occurred on April 25, 2013, where 294 different species of birds were recorded as a result of fallout at High Island, Texas. This particular fallout was the result of rain and high winds. Other incidents also include hurricanes that have happened during the migratory period, such as the following listed:

• Hurricane Bob
• Hurricane Fran
• Hurricane Isabel
• Hurricane Irene
• Hurricane Sandy

See also

• Stressor
• Bird migration
• Flyway