Fall Migration Underway!

Photo Credit: Brian Doherty - Humpback Whale Lunge Feeding

Have you ever wondered why we see different species throughout the seasons? This is due to migration which is the yearly seasonal movement of animals to different areas of the world. In the fall, Jones Beach has a variety of species pass through on their migration journeys, especially birds, that rest and search for food. Over 300 bird species stop by throughout the year. The fall draws in hundreds of raptors such as falcons, hawks, and even Bald Eagles!

Some other animals that also migrate to Long Island include humpback whales and monarch butterflies. Humpback whales can be spotted off the shores of Jones Beach from July to October when they travel north during the summer and south during the fall. These whales have been observed staying for a month or longer and returning over the past several years, most likely due to an increased availability of a popular prey species called Atlantic menhaden. Millions of monarch butterflies travel 2,000 miles from the Northern U.S. and Canada to the Southern U.S. and Mexico every year in the fall. It takes four generations of monarchs to migrate roundtrip where the last generation can live up to eight months.

There are many ways to help these migrating species such as minimizing outdoor lighting to prevent disorienting birds, looking out for whales when on the ocean to prevent boat strikes, and planting milkweed and native pollinator-friendly plants for monarchs. On September 23rd and 27th, the Center will be offering monarch tagging programs for the public to learn more about these amazing creatures.