March and on to May. How do birds migrate? There are


many theories, some proven, some not. What we DO know is that birds use many different clues, systems and methods to navigate. The most recent research reveals that migrating birds have a special protein in their eyes that allows them to see blue light. (www.forbes.com) The magnetic field of the earth gives off a blue light that is detected by the birds with this protein in their eyes and it enables them to see the mapping of the magnetic field of the earth. Did you know that the earth’s magnetic field changes (created by sloshing liquid deep inside the earth), so when the mag- netic field is “shaky” this could affect bird navigation? Scientists also believe birds use landmarks, topography, imprinting of the sun and stars (www.nationalgeograph- ic.com), inner ear, brain and ear interac- tion, and their extraordinary sense of smell from their beaks with an “olfactory map.” Yes, birds are pretty awesome and very


accessible to us, which is why birding is so popular and FUN.One phenomenon happening now is the speeding up of the magnetic north movement….up to 34 miles this past year. This affects navigation for aircraft, space craft and…birds. Look to the ancient turtle for hope however, they have managed to work out these major changes in the magnetic fields of the earth for 220 million years and still return to their exact same breeding grounds year after year. The birds may be slowed to some degree but will eventually be able


to work it out and adjust.


Where can we see migrating birds in the Triad? Okay perhaps this is the real reason why you are still reading, so WHERE do we go in the Triad to experience this awe- some event this spring? Here are a few favorite places the folks I spoke with love to go:


Lynn Moseley, Guilford College Profes- sor of Biology Emeritus: On foot, start by walking the Richardson Taylor Preserve trail on Plainfield Rd., Greensboro, at the headwaters of Lake Townsend. Lynn says that these upper tributaries of the Haw River are an excellent spot for spotting migratory birds. Also, the Nat Greene Trail off Old Battleground Ave.GSO. In Win- ston, she likes Bethabara Park and she also mentions Haw River State Park in Browns Summit which has different habitats and bottomlands as well as meadows and fields to provide excellent resting spots for the birds. Professor Moseley has published a checklist you need to print: “Spring Ar- rival Dates of Birds in Guilford Co.” She lists each week from March to May and what species one may expect to see (there- fore which ones to study beforehand and be on the lookout for). Here are the March birds:


2nd week of March: -Tree Swallow, Purple Martin, Osprey


3rd week of March: -Blue-gray Gnatcatcher


Christen Duke, ANP-C


www.RobinhoodIntegrativeHealth.com Christen Duke, ANP-C


Christen Duke, ANP is a board certified Adult Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years experience in adult medicine. Using a natural, holistic approach, she encourages and assists people to maximize their health through optimal nu- trition, supplementation, and bio- identical hormone replacement. She continues to expand her mas- tery of other integrative issues. Christen’s goal for her patients is for them to live healthy lives feel- ing their best.


336.768.3335 26 NaturalTriad.com


4th week of March -Yellow-crowned Night Heron -Rough-winged Swallow -Blue-headed Vireo -Yellow-throated Warbler -Common Yellowthroat -Louisiana Waterthrush -Chipping Sparrow -Vesper Sparrow


EXCITING and that is just MARCH!


Her entire checklist can be printed here on the Piedmont Bird Club’s website: http://www.piedmontbirdclub.org/species- lists.html She also mentions that the Piedmont


Bird Club and the T. Gilbert Pearson Audu- bon Society offers free and open to the public nature/bird walks up to three week- ends a month in migratory season, check their websites for schedules. Professor Moseley’s favorite field guides: National Geographic Field Guide to Birds N.A. and the Sibley Bird Field Guide of North America.


Kim Brand, Senior Manager w/ Audu-


bon, NC: She loves the Yadkin River for seeing migratory birds, especially the prothonotary warbler, an exquisite bright yellow bird often found near river banks and nesting in tree cavities, chimney swifts and cliff swallows under bridges. Her fa- vorite section of the Yadkin for birding is the Bean Shoals area where wood thrush- es breed. She also mentions there are bald eagles in this area because they need larger patches of forest to raise their young. On foot Kim likes Reynolda Garden trails, Lake Katherine because of swampy areas, Bethabara Park and Salem Lake. Kim shares that the Forsythe chapter of the Audubon Society is very active, large and also hosts nature/birding walk opportuni- ties.


Barbara Haralson, owner, Wild Birds


Unlimited GSO: She loves kayaking High Point City Lake especially since it is con- nected to Piedmont Environmental Center and has various habitats all in one area which attract a variety of birds. She says the thick woods, open areas and water spaces are great for spotting different spe- cies of birds. On foot, she likes Bog Garden in Greensboro with the mix of water and trees and highly accessible to most people, is a great place to bird.


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