Swan Migration

How do they know where to go?

I have often wondered how migratory birds know the direction they should go when the seasons change? This short National Geographic presentation on Tundra Swans:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfpVeReq01o

shows their migratory pattern is learned from their parents. Cygnets fly in each direction with their parents. Should, they not be strong enough or mature enough to fly when summer ends – they are left behind. They are abandoned to die! My first response when viewing this, and thinking about them being left behind was one of astonishment. How could Mama and Papa Swan do that? Why would they do such a thing? Possibly, their own survival. And the survival of future Tundra Swans – ensuring the family stays stronger and ensuring they are able to endure the long migration and adverse weather conditions.

There is always a reason, even if we are not able to understand.

However, we can know God created them for His purpose, and earth is under our dominion. What we learn from the Tundra Swans should grow our fascination and awe with all God has made, intricacies in Divine design and how this works together in the lives and living of Tundra Swans.

Another species of bird could not survive the Tundra Swan migration, nor would they have the strength to abandon their nest. They would stay and nurture their young – all would die when summer changed to winter. Strength to migrate is an essential part of nurture and care in the Tundra Swan. They stay together and migrate in their family units – in the vast mass of migrating swans – each family stays together –they fly as one.

#swan