(WWJ) - Experts say winter migration this year could bring special birds to Michigan.
Tom Prestby, Conservation Manager for Audubon Great Lakes, says a group of winter birds, including purple finches, are migrating from Canada at this time of year.
While it is common for the birds to come to Michigan, the amount can be unpredictable, Prestby said. Every year brings different amounts of birds, and it's always a question of what species will show up and in what numbers.
Prestby says this year looks like a good one to see some of the birds, including redpolls. These birds migrate towards Michigan every few years. The migration is called an irruption, and it occurs when birds are looking for food, experts said.
The birds move based on the seed crop of Canada’s boreal forest, which is lower this year, Prestby said.
It’s easier for the birds to find natural food sources when the weather is mild. They’re usually seen at bird feeders during the second half of winter because it becomes harder to find food when it's colder and snowier, Prestby said.
A good way to attract the birds to your feeder is to stock it with thistle and sunflowers, Prestby said. Thistle also attracts goldfinches to bird feeders.