Fat is lighter and has more energy than protein and carbohydrates. They start a feeding frenzy about 2-3 weeks before migration and this continues until they reach their winter range. Migratory birds are an important part of the wildlife and habitats of Wyoming and we would be missing a lot if they were gone. The aesthetic value alone is very important to many people. They enjoy seeing birds and birds can bring a sense of wildness to their backyards.
Birds are also indicators of how healthy the environment is.
If they return in the spring with plenty of fat, they are better prepared to breed and raise young. If they had a hard winter, they could be in poor condition, not prepared for the physical demands of raising a family or they may not even breed at all. The same is true when they migrate south. If there is not enough food for them to eat and build up fat reserves, they won t be prepared for the rigors of migration and possibly won t make it to their winter ranges. Birds are beneficial in being leaders in insect control.