The tens of millions of migratory birds which migrate north each spring to nest in Alaska play a vital role in maintaining the health of Alaskas ecocystems, according to biologists with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service.
Thats bad news for billions of bugs: the mosquitos and other insects, who will become daily meals for the feathered flocks.
"A pair of Wilsons Warblers raising their young will probably eat more than 10,000 insects, such as mosquitoes, caterpillars and gnats during their stay in Alaska," said Brad Andres, a Service migratory bird biologist. "When you consider all of Alaskas hungry birds, they easily consume billions of insects...including those mosquitoes...each year. Thats one of the reasons Im really glad to see them arrive!"
Andres points out that birds migrating to Alaska include ducks, hawks, shorebirds, and seabirds. They also include songbirds such as the Wilsons Warbler, which weighs only 7 grams (the equivelant of a nickel and a dime), and flies the 5,000 miles between Nicaragua and Alaska twice a year, to enjoy Alaskas tasty insect cuisine.
This year, Andres and other birding experts will help members of the public learn more about the importance of birds to the environment during observations of Migratory Bird Day.
International Migratory Bird Day Saturday, May 3rd Six Mile Chalet, Elmendorf Air Force Base 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p..m.
FWS
