Migration Watch
For centuries, people have marked the change of seasons by watching the skies for migrating birds. Saskatchewan is on a major migratory flyway, making it one of the best places in North America to witness thousands of birds passing overhead in fall.
What do you do:
- Head outside to a local park, wetland, or open prairie space where migratory birds are likely to be seen.
- Spend quiet time watching the sky, listening to calls, and noticing flocks flying in V-formations or large groups.
- Bring along bird identification resources such as Birds of Saskatchewan by Alan R. Smith, the Merlin Bird ID app, or the SaskBirds online community. Learn about common migrants like snow geese, sandhill cranes, and warblers, and track when they pass through your area.
- You can keep a bird journal, sketch what you see, or map migration paths with your group.
What do you need:
- Binoculars or a spotting scope
- Bird identification guide (book or app such as Merlin Bird ID)
- Notebook, journal, or sketchbook
- Warm clothing and a blanket or chair for sitting outdoors
- Optional: field map showing flyways or migration routes
Safety considerations
Dress warmly and in layers, as fall weather can change quickly. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially near wetlands or open water. Protect your eyes if watching the sky for long periods, and take breaks to stretch. If in a group, establish a meeting spot to stay together.
Benefits:
Physical: Walking to find good viewing spots builds endurance. Using binoculars and writing in a journal supports fine motor skills and coordination.
Spiritual: Watching migration connects you to natural cycles much larger than yourself. It fosters awe, gratitude, and a sense of belonging to the rhythms of the earth.
Intellectual:Encourages learning about bird species, geography, and global migration patterns. Develops observation, recording, and research skills while deepening ecological awareness.
Emotional: Brings feelings of joy, wonder, and peace while connecting with nature. Builds patience and mindfulness as you wait and watch the sky, and creates excitement when you spot a new or rare bird.