Just as schoolchildren start school, autumn is also the time of year when many birds start their migration. In particular, the species that winter furthest from us - the so-called sub-Saharan migrants - have already left for their journeys. We won't see storks, cuckoos, or earthworms on our territory until 2022.

The phenomenon of bird migration does not pay attention to the weather and current temperatures. The migrants’ instinct commands clearly - after raising their chicks, they go on a long pilgrimage. Unique sightings of migrating flocks, resting groups, and fascinating flyovers await us. Currently, populations of species wintering south of the equator are migrating. Compared to previous years, this year's migration started about two weeks later. The migration strategy varies between species. For warblers, flycatchers and swifts, the old individuals fly out first, followed by the young ones a few days later. In contrast, Red-footed falcons move together, i.e. adults and juveniles, even in flocks of several hundred.

Especially for this year's chicks, migration is the most challenging period of their lives. Many of them do not make the journey, in some species (especially songbirds) only 20% of the chicks survive. Lack of food, unfavourable weather conditions, and various obstacles can make them vulnerable. During migration, birds most often die after hitting glass surfaces or after being attacked by cats. The difficulty of migration is well illustrated by its symbol - the swallow. Although its wintering grounds are "only" about 8,000 kilometres away, it actually flies more than 15,000 kilometres on its way to them.

Many birds are also the victims of electrocution or hitting power lines (e.g., White Stork, Red-footed Falcon, Golden Eagle, songbirds migrating at night). Many power companies pay high attention to this issue. Around the Danube, as an extremely important migration corridor for more than 300 bird species, the visibility of 245 km of power lines and the safety of 3,250 poles will be increased as a result of the LIFE Danube Free Sky project.

And when will the bird travellers return to us? Although the first returnees can be expected as early as the end of February or March, the main wave of returning birds falls in the second half of April and in May.