The annual migration of birds is one of nature’s most captivating and complex phenomena. Every year, billions of birds embark on incredible journeys, traveling vast distances between their breeding grounds and wintering habitats. While the sight of flocks heading south is a familiar sign of the changing seasons, the underlying reasons for this behavior are rooted in the fundamental challenges of survival. To truly understand why birds go south in winter, we must delve into the intricate interplay of food availability, temperature regulation, and evolutionary adaptation.
The Allure of Perpetual Summer: A Tale of Two Worlds
Imagine a world where summer reigned supreme, a time of endless sunshine and abundance. This is the premise of an Ojibwe legend, a story passed down through generations to explain the origins of winter and the subsequent migration of birds. In this idyllic past, the days were perpetually warm, the skies cloudless, and the landscape teeming with life. Young creatures, filled with boundless energy, reveled in the joy of play. Animals frolicked with their own kind, fish darted through the crystal-clear waters, insects buzzed through the air, and birds soared through the heavens.
Games were the order of the day, from the timeless classics of hide-and-seek and blind-man’s buff to spirited rounds of tag. Races were run, wrestling matches were held, and lacrosse sticks clashed in friendly competition. Laughter echoed across the lakes, meadows, and skies, a symphony of youthful exuberance. From dawn until dusk, the young ones played, barely pausing to eat or rest. Their parents, however, bore the weight of worry, constantly vigilant to prevent their offspring from harming themselves. Only the arrival of night brought respite from the ceaseless activity.
Among these playful birds was Mong, the Loon, a creature no different from his peers. He participated in all the games, but his true passion lay in lacrosse. If he had his way, he would spend every waking moment on the lacrosse field. The problem, however, was that his friends did not always share his enthusiasm for the sport.
Sometimes, Mong had to plead with them to join him in a game. When they agreed, which was not often enough for his liking, he was filled with joy. When they refused, he was consumed by sadness. Mong was determined to find a way to convince his friends to play lacrosse with him whenever he desired.
A Challenge and a Bet: The Seeds of Winter
Driven by his unwavering passion for lacrosse, Mong decided to challenge the other birds to a match. He set out in search of a worthy opponent, and it didn’t take him long to encounter the Raven. With a bold declaration, Mong dared him: "My team can beat the feathers off your team any time!" The Raven responded with a cackle and a croak before flying off, ignoring Mong’s challenge.
Disappointed by the Raven’s lack of interest, Mong consoled himself with the thought that there were better players to be found. Besides, he reasoned, the Raven was known to cheat. Lost in thought, Mong nearly collided with Benae, the Grouse.
Once again, Mong attempted a bold challenge. Looking Benae in the eye, he snarled, "Get out of my way, runt, or I’ll rub your beak in the ground – just as I would on the lacrosse field." Benae puffed up his feathers in anger, but quickly relaxed, a smile spreading across his face. "I know what you’re up to," Benae said, "but you can’t trick me. I don’t feel like playing lacrosse. Get someone else." And with that, Benae turned and strutted off into the bush.
Mong was stunned. He had been refused twice, and in a rather rude manner. Undeterred, he resolved to try again.
Before long, Mong spotted Kaikaik, the Hawk, perched on a dead tree, cleaning his beak. Remembering his previous encounter with Benae, Mong decided to adopt a more pleasant approach.
"Do you want to play lacrosse, Kaikaik?" Mong asked.
"I don’t think so," Kaikaik replied, "it’s too hot."
Mong responded quickly, realizing that Kaikaik had effectively declined his invitation. "We can play tomorrow," he said, "but let’s choose our teams now. You can have first choice."
Kaikaik stretched his wings and shook his tail. "Lacrosse is no fun when it is so easy to win," he boasted. To demonstrate his strength, Kaikaik squeezed the dead tree with his talons, breaking off several chips.
"Let’s make a bet then," Mong proposed. "If you win, I’ll do whatever you want. If I win, you’ll have to play lacrosse with me whenever I want."
"Yes, yes!" Kaikaik replied eagerly, confident of his victory. "Let’s choose teams now."
Kaikaik selected the Raven as his first pick, while Mong chose the Canada Goose. Kaikaik then chose the Owl, and Mong selected the Robin. By the end of the afternoon, the teams were complete. On Kaikaik’s side were the Raven, the Owl, the Chickadee, the Snowbird, the Cardinal, the Woodpecker, the Grouse, the Junco, the Pheasant, the Partridge, the Magpie, and the Ptarmigan.
Mong’s team consisted of the Canada Goose, the Kingbird, the Robin, the Sparrow, the Bluebird, the Oriole, the Scarlet Tanager, the Plover, the Thrasher, the Swallow, the Catbird, and the Kingfisher.
Kaikaik’s team was strong, and included a few notorious cheaters like the Raven, but Mong remained confident. He had the Kingbird on his side, a player capable of handling anyone on Kaikaik’s team.
"We’ll meet tomorrow morning as soon as the sun comes up," Mong said. "And the team that scores the first goal wins the game."
"Agreed," answered Kaikaik.
The Games and the Penalties: The Dawn of Winter
The next morning, at sunrise, all the birds gathered to witness the epic lacrosse match. Kaikaik’s fans occupied one side of the field, while Mong’s supporters filled the other.
The game commenced. The Woodpecker guarded the goal for Kaikaik’s team, while the Oriole defended Mong’s goal. From the outset, Mong’s team launched a relentless attack, drawing loud cheers from their fans.
Mong’s players were quick and agile, but they struggled to score. Kaikaik’s fans remained silent, their team slow and seemingly outmatched. It appeared to be only a matter of time before Mong’s team managed to slip a goal past the Woodpecker.
Soon, the Grouse sustained an injury and was forced to leave the field, eliciting cheers from Mong’s supporters. Then, the Raven was knocked down, writhing in pain and croaking for help. However, no one paid him any attention. The rules stipulated that play would not stop until the first goal was scored.
Suddenly, the Swallow gained possession of the ball and hurled it with all his might towards Kaikaik’s goal. As the ball soared past the Raven, he leaped to his feet and caught it. He raced towards Mong’s goal and, with a quick flip, scored on the Oriole.
A mighty groan emanated from Mong’s fans, while an even mightier cheer erupted from Kaikaik’s supporters. Kaikaik led his team to the center of the field to confront Mong and his players. The fans surged forward to hear what penalty Kaikaik would demand of Mong.
"Mong," Kaikaik said, "this is your penalty for losing. From now on, whenever the east wind blows, it will bring clouds and rain and thunderstorms, and you won’t be able to play lacrosse."
The birds gasped. They had never heard of such a thing. But Mong paid little attention. "You only won because the Raven cheated," he shouted. "We were winning until the Raven pretended that he was hurt."
Kaikaik bristled, his eyes blazing with anger. Mong continued, "Let’s have another game tomorrow. I know you can’t win without cheating."
"What’s the bet?" Kaikaik asked.
"The same bet," said Mong. "If I win, you must play lacrosse whenever I ask you. If I lose, I must do whatever you want. This time, though, I’d like the Raven on my team."
"Agreed," said Kaikaik. "We can do without him."
At daybreak the next day, a massive crowd gathered at the field. Even the animals came to watch. Who would emerge victorious in the second game? What penalty would Kaikaik impose if he won a second time?
Once again, Mong’s team carried the play deep into Kaikaik’s end of the field, dominating possession. However, they still struggled to get the ball past the Woodpecker. He darted back and forth, blocking the ball with his feet, his wing, and his tail. The game stretched on and on.
Late in the afternoon, Mong’s team began to tire. One of Kaikaik’s players gained possession of the ball and launched it down the field towards Mong’s goal. The Raven, who was playing with equal fervor for Mong’s team as he had for Kaikaik’s, intercepted the ball. He raced towards Kaikaik’s goal.
As he ran, the Grouse crept up behind him and tripped him. The Grouse seized the ball and slipped it into Mong’s goal, bringing the long and arduous game to an end.
"Foul, Foul!" screamed Mong and his teammates, amidst the thunderous cheers of Kaikaik’s fans. "Foul!" Mong screamed again to Bonsae, the Vulture, who was serving as the referee. But Bonsae had not witnessed the Grouse tripping the Raven. He declared that the score would stand.
Everyone rushed to the center of the field. What penalty would Mong and his friends have to endure this time?
Kaikaik fixed a stern gaze upon Mong. "From now on," he said, "whenever the north wind blows, it will bring snow and bitter cold. You and your friends will have to leave this land."
That very night, the north wind began to blow. Mong and his friends shivered in the snow. They could not withstand the cold. Just as Kaikaik had decreed, they were forced to abandon the land they loved.
Every year thereafter, the north wind ushered in the cold winter, and Mong and his friends were compelled to fly south. If Mong had not been so eager to play lacrosse, if he hadn’t made that foolish bet, winter would never have come.
The Harsh Realities of Winter: Food Scarcity and Temperature Extremes
While the Ojibwe legend provides a captivating explanation for the origin of bird migration, the scientific reasons are grounded in the harsh realities of winter. As temperatures plummet and daylight hours dwindle, many regions experience a significant reduction in food availability. Insects, a primary food source for many bird species, become scarce or disappear altogether. Seeds and fruits, another crucial food source, may be buried under snow or ice, rendering them inaccessible.
The ability to maintain a stable body temperature is also paramount to survival. Birds are warm-blooded creatures, meaning they must expend energy to regulate their internal temperature regardless of the external conditions. In frigid temperatures, this energy expenditure increases dramatically, forcing birds to consume more food to meet their metabolic demands. However, with food resources already limited, many birds simply cannot acquire enough sustenance to survive the winter.
The Evolutionary Advantage of Migration: A Journey to Survival
Migration, therefore, represents an evolutionary adaptation that allows birds to escape the harsh conditions of winter and exploit more favorable environments. By flying south, birds can access regions where food is abundant and temperatures are mild, increasing their chances of survival and reproductive success. This behavior is not without its risks, however. Migration is an energy-intensive undertaking, and birds face numerous challenges along the way, including predators, storms, and habitat loss.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of migration outweigh the risks for many bird species. By embarking on these incredible journeys, birds are able to thrive in environments that would otherwise be uninhabitable during the winter months. The next time you witness a flock of birds heading south, remember that their journey is a testament to the power of adaptation and the enduring quest for survival. Understanding why birds go south in winter is essential to appreciating the complexity of the natural world. The Ojibwe legend, while a beautiful story, highlights the consequences of choices, and the birds’ annual journey is a direct result of Mong’s actions, though in reality, it’s driven by the need for survival.