What crucial preparation allows individuals to successfully cross major geographical barriers like the Gulf of Mexico during migration?

Answer

Hyperphagically building up fat reserves immediately following nesting

The ability to endure the first, often non-stop, leg of the migration hinges on the bird's capacity to quickly build immense fat reserves (hyperphagy) after nesting concludes.

What crucial preparation allows individuals to successfully cross major geographical barriers like the Gulf of Mexico during migration?
birdWintermigrationkingbird