Amazing week for migration

This week has been amazing for migrants. At times it has felt more like early May than late March, both in terms of the weather and the birds.

Around thirty Hoopoes arrived, mainly in the south and west, along with the first Purple Heron of the year.

Common migrants have also taken advantage of the continuing good weather conditions and the first Cuckoos, Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers arrived.

Birds arriving ahead of schedule included a Reed Warbler in Norfolk and a Common Swift in Dorset. Grasshopper Warblers were found at several sites, along with a few Sedge Warblers and the first Garden Warbler.

As March turns into April migration should step up a gear, and with cloudy skies and light winds forecast fort this weekend visible migration watchers could be in for a busy time. The first large arrival of Willow Warblers is on the cards.