Birds are on the move: See photos of their annual spring migration during 2025 peak
Updated May 15, 2025, 2:46 p.m. ET
Birds are on the move amid their annual spring migration. It's a time of year when local birds that went south for the winter return or birds heading farther north stop to feed.
In the contiguous United States, peak spring bird migration runs approximately between March 1 and June 15, though some species migrate earlier or later. To aid birds as they migrate, ornithologists urge Americans to turn off nonessential lighting from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during peak migration.
Here, a great egret collects sticks for its nest at Kiwanis Lake, Monday, May 12, 2025, in York City, Pa.
Harrison Jones, USA TODAY NETWORKIn the contiguous United States, peak spring bird migration runs approximately between March 1 and June 15, though some species migrate earlier or later. To aid birds as they migrate, ornithologists urge Americans to turn off nonessential lighting from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during peak migration.
Here, a great egret collects sticks for its nest at Kiwanis Lake, Monday, May 12, 2025, in York City, Pa.
A black-crowned night heron perches on a branch at Kiwanis Lake, Monday, May 12, 2025, in York City, Pa.
Harrison Jones, USA TODAY NETWORK
The annual spring migration of warblers has begun around the Rochester region. This black-throated blue warbler was spotted near Irondequoit Bay in Irondequoit, New York, Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Shawn Dowd, Rochester Democrat And Chronicle Via USA TODAY Network
A yellow warbler was spotted singing high up in the trees near Irondequoit Bay in Irondequoit, New York, Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Shawn Dowd, Rochester Democrat And Chronicle Via USA TODAY Network
Black wing stilt is reflected at Kalloni's salt pans, Lesbos island, Greece, May 8, 2025.
Elias Marcou, REUTERS
This photograph taken in Strasbourg, eastern France, on May 9, 2025, shows a swan swimming with cygnets on the Ill River.
FREDERICK FLORIN, AFP Via Getty Images
A coruscans hummingbird is pictured during a Global Big Day birdwatching trail at the Monserrate hill in Bogota on May 10, 2025. Colombia is the country with the largest bird diversity in the world, home to about 1,934 different bird species, a fifth of the total known.
LUIS ACOSTA, AFP Via Getty Images
A general view of geese and goslings on the course during the final round of the Mizuho Americas Open 2025 at Liberty National Golf Club on May 11, 2025 in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Sarah Stier, Getty Images
A detailed view of a Blue Heron flying near the 13th hole prior to the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 13, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Alex Slitz, Getty Images
Pelicans rest on at the Sheboygan lakefront in view of the lighthouse, Monday, May 12, 2025, in Sheboygan, Wis.
Gary C. Klein, USA TODAY Network
A black-crowned night heron collects sticks for its nest at Kiwanis Lake, Monday, May 12, 2025, in York City, Pa.
Harrison Jones, USA TODAY NETWORK
Mallard ducklings follow their mother at Kiwanis Lake, Monday, May 12, 2025, in York City, Pa.
Harrison Jones, USA TODAY NETWORK
Mallard ducklings in a row at Kiwanis Lake, Monday, May 12, 2025, in York City, Pa.
Harrison Jones, USA TODAY NETWORK
A northern parula warbler sings out in the morning light near Irondequoit Bay in Irondequoit, New York, Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Shawn Dowd, Rochester Democrat And Chronicle Via USA TODAY Network
A yellow-rumped warbler sings from its perch near Irondequoit Bay in Irondequoit, New York, May 6, 2025.
Shawn Dowd, Rochester Democrat And Chronicle Via USA TODAY Network
A black-and-white warbler was spotted near Irondequoit Bay in Irondequoit, New York, Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Shawn Dowd, Rochester Democrat And Chronicle Via USA TODAY Network
A magnolia warbler was spotted near Irondequoit Bay in Irondequoit, New York, Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Shawn Dowd, Rochester Democrat And Chronicle Via USA TODAY NetworkFeatured Weekly Ad