Tuesday Traveler - The Migration Has Started - November 22, 2016

What do you think of when you hear ‘The migration has started’?  By definition, migration is the seasonal movement of animals from one region to another.

Maybe you think of; migratory birds flying from the north to the south,or wildlife moving from the mountaintops to the valleys.




For those of us in warm weather states like Arizona, Florida, Texas, and others along the US Sun Belt, we often think the snowbirds (defined by WikiPedia) are coming.  These migratory creatures, mainly retirees, temporarily relocate from their permanent ‘home’ to their ‘winter home’.  

This southerly migration begins around October where the interstate road systems are used as their migratory routes.  The modes of travel include a relatively small number who actually fly, with the majority arriving in their motorhomes, travel and moving trailers.  For these flocks, they land in parking lots, campgrounds, or hotels for the night.  By daybreak their flock has grown and the migration continues.

For the first time migrants, some may have previously visited an already established flock that they intend to join.  For others, it’s like homecoming where they get reacquainted with fellow flockers.  Either way, as a Floridian, I can say without hesitation, this migration covers the entire state.  Yes, there are certain areas that have more snowbirds than others, but they can be found from Key West to Tallahassee.

 

Snowbirds, like many other migratory creatures are simply trying to get away from cold temperatures.  Unlike the snowbirds though, wildlife are also in search of food.  In the warmer climates and valleys, the lack of snow makes grazing, hunting for small animals, and other methods of gathering food easier.  For snowbirds, they usually have an adequate food supply and their activity level increases.  Why wouldn’t it, they treat their winter homes like a vacation.

Once they've found a welcoming flock and a comfortable nesting location, many snowbirds change their residency status to ‘permanent’ to take advantage of lower taxes.  Established snowbirds often buy homes, which include single family houses, mobile or prefabricated homes, or condos.  While others enter into multi-year lease agreements at RV parks.

As a youngster growing up in Florida, I remember spotting a snowbird was relatively easy; most of them had vehicle license plates from a cold weather state.  Now, with their residency changed, most of them have local license plates.  With one major exception, Canadians, they usually want to retain Canada their primary residence.

This migration is often received with mixed feelings by the locals.  On one hand, snowbirds are welcomed for the income they bring to local economies.  However, on the other hand, it’s despised.  As many of these transients are not familiar with the area they drive well below the posted speed limit, presumably lost, which increases traffic congestion; it’s an ideal target market for autonomous car testing.  Other challenges for locals include long waits at restaurants, store checkout lines, recreational events, and even medical facilities.  This list could grow rapidly, but you get the idea.

Municipalities, often welcome and commercially market the migration and landing of snowbirds by planning and sponsoring community events or festivals their arrival.  For those that choose to stay in the area, ‘snowbird’ specials can be found in restaurants along with other deals designed for them. 

After a few months, spring begins with scattered rain, humidity and temperatures rise, and these migrants retrace the route heading north.  For some, they have found a welcoming flock and have established a new nest.  While others will return next year only to resume their search in a different area.  Some depart with more stuff than they came with, others with less; some have fond memories, others not so fond.  This is the way of life for migratory creatures.

As you can see, the literal definition and the warm weather climate definition, there isn’t much different.  Two differences I mention; 1) people in general don’t like being referred to as animals (although literally we are); and 2) people use methods of modern transportation.  Both going from one region to another, for some of the same reason, but not naturally.

Until next time,

Mike

PS; Since originally posting this, I got this link for a "Snowbird Song" from a Travel Thru My Eyes, Facebook follower.






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