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L.L.B, be an outsider.

As the days grow longer and tree buds begin to burst, billions of birds migrate throughout North America. They fly in search of better food and places to breed and raise their young.

Shifting day length, cooler temperatures, and changes in food supply all impact when birds migrate.

Many birds also have a genetic predisposition to

migration, meaning it's something they don't need to be taught by their parents.

Centuries ago people who kept cage birds noticed that those who were supposed to migrate became restless each spring and fall.

The birds would flutter against one side of their cage, almost like they were being drawn to another place in the world.

Migrating birds often travel thousands of miles every year.

Newborn chicks can navigate on their own to southern winter homes even if they've never seen it or

been there before. We don't completely understand how birds are able to navigate

so effectively but we do know that birds can use the sun, the stars, and the Earth's magnetic field like a compass.

The position of the setting sun and landmarks they fly past during the day can also help them as they travel.

Many of the most diverse locations for bird watching are in our very own national parks,

though some are closer to urban areas than you may think.

Indiana Dunes National Park consists of 15 miles of protected dunes, wetlands, forests, and

prairies and hosts at least 350 species of birds. Thousands pass through this park in the

spring and fall taking a quick break before continuing on to their breeding or

...