Why do millions of migratory birds nest in Nunavut during summer?
Millions of migratory birds travel to Nunavut during the summer to breed and rear their young because the Arctic region experiences a period of exceptionally high biological productivity during this time.12
As the snow melts, the tundra provides an abundance of food resources that are not available year-round. Specifically, the wet sedge meadows, lake margins, and coastal areas become rich with invertebrates, including large populations of mosquitoes and other insects, which serve as a vital food source for many species. By migrating to the Arctic, these birds are able to exploit these seasonal food surpluses to support their nesting and the growth of their offspring. Once the short summer ends and food production declines, the birds migrate to more southern latitudes to avoid the harsh winter conditions.321