Sea birds are some of the most incredible creatures on the planet. Every year, they embark on incredible journeys that span thousands of miles and take them to some of the most remote and exotic places on Earth. From the Arctic to the Antarctic, these birds traverse the globe in search of food and breeding grounds.
The most impressive of these journeys is the annual migration of the Arctic Tern. This species of sea bird travels an astonishing 44,000 miles each year, making it the longest migration of any animal on the planet. The Arctic Tern begins its journey in the Arctic Circle, where it spends the summer months breeding and feeding. As winter approaches, the bird heads south, traveling all the way to the Antarctic Circle. Along the way, it stops in places like the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Australia.
The Arctic Tern isn’t the only species of sea bird that makes an incredible journey each year. The Bar-tailed Godwit, for example, travels from its breeding grounds in Alaska to New Zealand, a journey of over 7,000 miles. The Red Knot, meanwhile, migrates from the Arctic to the southern tip of South America, a distance of over 9,000 miles.
These incredible journeys are made possible by the birds’ remarkable navigational abilities. Sea birds use a combination of the sun, stars, and Earth’s magnetic field to find their way. They also use landmarks like coastlines and mountain ranges to orient themselves.
The journeys of sea birds are a testament to their resilience and adaptability. Despite the long distances and harsh conditions, these birds manage to make it to their destination each year. It’s a remarkable feat that we can all appreciate and admire.
