Hundreds of different bird species to be seen in Tippecanoe County as birds head south for winter

Hundreds of different bird species to be seen in Tippecanoe County as birds head south for winter.

Happen in tippecanoe county tonight.

Hundreds of thousands of birds are expected to migrate down south around sunset.

Today's cooler weather may have a lot to do with it.

News 18's micah upshaw tells us what it all means.

:18 nat b: i just counted 22 double crested cormorants... b: what the weather is showing is a change is occurring.

M: the recent cooler weather is bringing birds down south.

While birds' bodies naturally tell them when it's time to migrate.

The weather is a key factor for actually traveling.

B: the day they choose to migrate is dependent on the weather conditions, you don't want to fly south into southerly winds that are going to make you work m: the current winds coming through tippecanoe county are perfect to help push the birds along on their journey.

What this means for people in the area is a chance to see a number of bird species that don't often travel here.

B: this year we're seeing lots of purple- finches, and related species like pine- skins, crossbills and red-breasted nuthatches, there's this whole set of birds.

M: barny dunning, purdue professor of wildlife and ecology likes to observe at the celery bog nature preserve in west lafayette.

He says these particular birds tend to travel here when food supply is short up north.

He's encouraging people to enjoy this phenomena for a number of reasons.

B: there's something new and different to see every time you go out and that's fun and exciting then the other thing is that they're a sign of how healthy our environment is.

The natural systems are relatively healthy and they're supporting to birds that we love.

M: reporting west lafayette, micah upshaw news 18.

The birds are expected to head out around sunset tonight.

You may be able to catch them flying tomorrow morning as well.

Tuesday: sunny, with