Recently a question came up in a discussion about a Solitary Sandpiper. The Merlin bird identification app indicated it was a little early to be seeing it in our area (normally they don’t arrive here until August) but one was spotted in a marsh area on Ocean Winds golf course. Does this mean the bird was just getting an early start? Or could it be migrating early due to the wildfires in Canada, where it nests?
The answer is yes, no and maybe.
Yes! Migratory birds that nest in the Boreal forests like the Solitary Sandpiper (the only one in that family that nests in trees), Osprey, Merlin, Bald Eagle, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Red-breasted Nuthatch, at least 8 species of warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Rusty blackbirds and the kinglets could be misplaced or killed by fires in their territories. The populations living in the fire zone would be severely impacted. After the fires go out, the forest starts the process of recovery. It will take years to become a mature forest, but many species prefer a disturbed habitat.
No! This year, about 7.2 million acres of Boreal Forest have already burned. Last year it was 7.8 million acres. Each year is comparable to about 10 Rhode Island’s burning. That sounds horrifying until one realizes that the Boreal Forest of Canada is 1.6 billion (with a B) acres, This year’s fires only consumed about 0.045% of the boreal forest. The vast majority of the denizens are not in the direct danger zone.
Maybe! As many of us experienced this year, the smoke extends for huge distances and is quite irritating. The birds experience the same conditions. While few direct studies have been conducted, in an article in the July 16, 2026, issue of Birds and Blooms, they discuss what is known. Smoke can impact survival. Many birds reduce their activity and don’t sing as often. Less movement and singing means less heavy breathing. The birds have evolved with fire and undoubtedly developed strategies to reduce damage. That does not mean no impact, but it probably means that the population needs some time to recover. The farther away from the fire, the less damage will be done.
If you’re seeing early migrants around your house, let us know!
Written by Bob Mercer
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