Millions of birds are making their seasonal journey across Baldwin County and the Alabama Gulf Coast, but wildlife specialists say the migration might come with serious risks as window collisions, artificial lighting and other human-related hazards can threaten birds traveling thousands of miles.

Andrew Baughman, a wildlife specialist at the Orange Beach Wildlife Center, said the region serves as a critical stopping point for migratory birds because of its diverse ecosystems and abundant food sources.

“Baldwin and Mobile County are an incredibly biodiverse and ecologically abundant region,” Baughman said. “These ecosystems provide critical habitat and food availability for birds during migration.”

The Alabama Gulf Coast is particularly important for neotropical migrants, who spend their winters in Mexico, Central America or South America before returning to the United States and Canada for the summer.

For many of these birds, the coast provides a final opportunity to rest and recharge before crossing the Gulf. Alabama also sits along the Mississippi Flyway, which is a major migration route used by hundreds of millions of birds annually.

Fall migration generally runs from mid-August through mid-November, with the heaviest activity occurring in September and October.

According to Baughman, more than 39 million birds flew over Baldwin County on Oct. 16, highlighting the scale of migration occurring above the region.

“Some nights average a couple thousand birds; some nights it can be in the millions,” he said.

The migration numbers are available through BirdCast, a bird migration tracking platform managed by Cornell University.

While the seasonal movement can provide opportunities for birdwatchers and enthusiasts, it has also brought an increase in injured birds requiring medical attention.

Baughman said the Orange Beach Wildlife Center has experienced an 81% increase in overall patient admissions compared with last year.

Over a recent one-month period, the center admitted more than 20 migratory birds injured in window collisions alone. That number also excludes birds admitted because of exhaustion, disease, vehicle collisions or interactions with domestic animals.

“Calls and patient admissions in general have increased exponentially this year,” Baughman said.

Many of the birds arrive suffering from concussions, eye injuries and respiratory distress. More severe cases include broken wings, shoulder injuries or paralysis caused by injuries to the spine.

Baughman said windows are among the most significant hazards facing migrating birds because birds often cannot distinguish glass from open space.

“Birds can’t see windows,” Baughman said. “To them, it is an open area they can fly through.”

Artificial lighting is also a threat because many migratory birds travel at night. Bright lights can disorient birds and draw them into developed areas where windows, predators and limited food sources create additional dangers.

“Migration is naturally a lengthy and strenuous process for birds, and anthropogenic threats such as windows and artificial light can increase the difficulty of this process,” Baughman said.

“Unfortunately, about 60% of birds that collide with a window end up dying from their injuries. Preventative measures are much more effective than reactive measures.”

Baughman emphasized that birds involved in window or vehicle collisions should receive professional care and rehabilitation, even when they seem healthy from the outside.

Residents who come across an injured bird can place it in a covered cardboard box lined with a paper towel or cloth to prevent slipping, and only if it is safe to handle the bird.

For larger birds, Baughman recommends contacting the wildlife center for instructions before attempting to capture or transport them.

Residents can reach the center through its wildlife hotline at 1-844-303-WILD, which is available seven days a week.

Baughman said residents and business owners can also take steps to reduce injuries before they happen.

Installing bird-safe decals on exterior windows can make glass more visible to birds. Turning off unnecessary indoor and outdoor lights at night can also help prevent birds from becoming disoriented during migration.

“Of course, no method is foolproof, but it greatly reduces the chance of injury,” Baughman said.

As millions of birds continue their seasonal journeys through Baldwin County, Baughman hopes residents recognize the role they can play in helping the animals reach their destinations safely.

“It takes a village to protect our native fauna,” Baughman said. “Small alterations in your daily routine, such as turning off lights at night or installing window decals, can be the reason a bird successfully makes it to their overwintering grounds. Prevention is key!”