This means that for a few days after a cold front passes through in the spring, birds will be forced to land because it is too difficult for them to fly. This is when bird watchers and researchers see lots of birds. This is especially true along the Gulf coast because the birds have made a 500 mile non-stop flight and are already low on energy. As the high pressure center moves east, the winds start coming from the south, which is good for flying. The birds are able fly much farther with the tailwinds and therefore do not land.
Accurate timing is critical when songbirds cross the Gulf of Mexico.
When there's a fallout on the Texas coast we know many other birds will not cross the 500 miles of open water successfully. And, although those that arrive may stay for only a few hours each year, their lives may depend on the coastal woodlands habitat for food and rest. These frequent fliers face many obstacles in the air, ranging from cold fronts and northwinds to rainstorms. Besides all the obstacles in the air, neotropical migrants also need to be careful when they are on the ground, especially during the breeding season. Natural predators such as snakes, raccoons and even other birds would love to feed on a nestful of eggs or baby birds during the nesting season.