Birders throughout New England are eagerly pulling out their binoculars, hitting the trails and keeping daily records of what birds they spot. Why all the excitement? This is peak time for spring migration in New England and those brightly colored Yellow Warblers, Baltimore Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and other avian beauties are arriving daily.

North America has over 650 species of breeding birds and more than half migrate each year. Migrating birds are primarily looking for food and nesting locations.

In spring, birds that nest in the Northern Hemisphere tend to migrate north for the abundance of emerging insects, budding plants, seeds and the availability of nesting habitat. As the populations of insects and other food sources drops off in the fall, many species turn around and move south again. Although many believe that cold temperatures are what drive the birds to migrate, more often they are in need of food sources.

Here in Rhode Island, not only are many migrating birds seen this time of year, other birds are departing for their far northern nesting habitats, such as Harlequin Ducks, Common Goldeneyes, Bufflehead and Snowy Owls.

Although it is not completely understood, ornithologists and other scientists tell us that bird migration can be triggered by a combination of things: food supply, day length, temperature and the genetic makeup of a species can all play a roll.

"Bird migration is one of nature's most fascinating phenomena,” said Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee.  “Now that it's spring, birders are waiting and watching to catch sight of the first of each species as it arrives. The blackbirds, American Woodcock, Osprey and Great Egrets have returned and more are on their way.  At the same time we are saying goodbye to the scoters, mergansers and loons who are moving north to nest."

Not all birds travel the same distance during migration, and here in New England we have many species like the Northern Cardinal that endure the winter weather and are permanent residents. Others may travel through only a few states to reach more stable food sources, and then there are species that travel long distances and winter in Central and South America. While food may be the primary goal for short-distance migration, long-distance patterns are more complex and scientists believe these to be controlled at least partially by the genetics of the various species.

The Audubon invites the public to discover birding during the most popular time of year, and offers a six-week class providing a basic understanding of bird biology as well as visual and aural identification techniques. Led by Lauren Parmelee, long time birder and Audubon senior director of education, time will be spent in both the classroom and the field (weather dependent) to practice birding skills. Field trip locations will be determined by the group.

Held by the Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol on April 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19 from 9-11 a.m. Program fee is $84 for members, $102 for non-members. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.