Mortals busy with jobs and school are sometimes unaware of the seasonal changes around them. But even though temperatures are occasionally still summer-like, there have been changes in the length of days and the slant of the light changes not lost on the creatures of nature.

And so the fall migration of birds is under way. A phenomenon that has taken place for eons, migration happens, experts say, because of a decreased availability of food and shorter periods of daylight for foraging, rather than because of colder weather.

An estimated 5 billion birds worldwide move from north to south in the fall and from south to north in the spring, when breeding patterns change their priorities. For mid-Georgia birders this means a rare opportunity north or south of local zip codes. Warblers are of special interest because of their sometimes exotic coloration, with waterfowl a close second.

Fayette Birders are gathering again this fall for organized walks, and are encouraged to take binoculars out to favored habitats whenever possible during the migration season.

On Saturday morning, Oct. 12, birders will meet at the boat docks on Lake Peachtree at 7:30 a.m., according to Dan Demko, coordinator of the outings. After observing whatever waterfowl have spent the night on the lake, the group will move to another habitat, as determined by local scouting reports. The Flat Creek Nature Center wetlands or a site near Lake Kedron are likely selections.

Everyone is welcome, Demko says, and there is no fee. Binoculars are a must, as well as shoes and clothing appropriate for weather conditions. Participants may drop out as their schedules require.

Demko also reminded backyard bird feeders to be especially sure to keep hummingbird feeders clean and filled at least well into October. These tiny migrants may double their weight as they move south, so as to be fortified for their passage across the Gulf of Mexico to their Central American wintering grounds.

In fact, experts now recommend that a feeder be left up (and cleaned regularly) to provide for rufous hummingbirds that occasionally winter here.

For further information, Demko may be reached at 770-599-6881.

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