With the heat on, birds show confused behavior
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Warmer temperatures are preventing birds from migrating south. Around Winona, Minn., sparrows like this one have died after late winter and early spring snowstorms. (Courtesy of Mindy Blank)
In southeastern Minnesota, geese are no longer migrating south because food sources are available during the winter. But snowstorms make living conditions difficult. (Courtesy of Mindy Blank)
Ducks and geese in Winona, Minn. attempt to eat and breed as if they were living under normal spring temperatures. But snow and ice have caused serious problems. (Courtesy of Mindy Blank)
A robin prepares to depart from a tree in Winona, Minn. Robins, like geese and sparrows, aren't migrating south because of warmer temperatures and increased availability of food sources during the winter. (Courtesy of Mindy Blank)
Sparrows are no longer leaving Winona, Minn. during the winter. They fared well this year, due to warmer temperatures and available food sources, until the first heavy snowstorms hit in January. (Courtesy of Mindy Blank)
Because of global warming, numerous bird species are showing up where they never have before. Others are refusing to leave locations that they have always migrated from in winter.
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