Nearly 600 bird calls detected at Arch during migration period

ST. LOUIS – As another migration period is approaching, the Gateway Arch National Park shared details of what birds are flying through St. Louis during these times Thursday.

According to a social media post from the park, crews installed an acoustic logger this past fall with the help of the organization Lights Out Heartland. This technology catches the nocturnal flight calls while on Arch grounds.

Throughout a two-week period set up, the logger caught nearly 600 potential bird calls. At least ten bird species were able to be identified through the sounds.

The park also stated that the most common bird call came from the Least Sandpiper and American Redstart.

Every May and September, birds make their migration north for the summer and south for the winter. During these times of high activity, the Arch shuts off its lights to remove any potential disorientation it could cause to the birds.