Through a Familiar Route
Birds don’t always fly at the same height throughout an entire journey.
A flock might travel higher over one area and then descend as it approaches a feeding ground, nesting site, roost, or water source.
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What looks like unusual low-level flight may simply be part of the route they’re following.
Why Are Birds Flying Low Over Water?
Birds flying low over water can be especially fascinating.
You may see them skimming across lakes, rivers, ponds, or the ocean with their wings just above the surface.
There are several reasons this happens.
Water can be an excellent place to find food. Some birds search for insects, fish, small aquatic organisms, or other prey near the surface.
Other species naturally travel close to the water while moving between locations.
Some birds also have flight patterns that make low-level movement
