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WATCH: Bird migration captured on Florida weather radar

Songbirds flying south for the winter

ORLANDO, Fla. – Weather radar can “see” much more than just the weather.

The radar, located in Melbourne, picked up the likely migration of songbirds Thursday evening that made a pit stop in and around the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

A large fallout, birds taking a break during severe weather, was reported at the refuge Wednesday night.

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According to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge park ranger Kimberly King-Wrenn, songbirds are in the process of migrating from the colder regions of Canada to warmer climates for the winter. The birds navigate their way to the Florida Keys or South America by way of the coastline.

The radar picked up an elongated echo right along the coast extending from about Oak Hill and down the Brevard coast. This could have been the large flock from Wednesday starting their journey south once again.

The refuge is a great place to view migratory birds as it offers a place for many species to relax on their way to their final destination.

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