It might only be the end of January and the days might still
be short but some of our birds have already begun their spring migration.
Fieldfare and Redwing have started moving north and east, with numbers
beginning to build in eastern Britain. Siskins have started to turn up at
garden feeding stations as they too make their way back north, and the first of
the BTO satellite-tagged Cuckoos has begun the long journey back to the UK.
Cuckoo PJ spent most of the winter in Angola but since
leaving there last week he has travelled 1,600 km (1,000 miles) north and is
now in Cameroon. He should head west from here before once again turning north
and crossing the mighty Sahara. You can follow him
as he makes his way back home during the next couple of months.
Auks are also on the move and Guillemots and Razorbills
could be back prospecting on their breeding ledges any day now. Look out for
them at coastal watch points.
Guillemot by Sarah Kelman
One of the biggest surprises of the autumn 2017 migration
was the unprecedented arrival of Hawfinches into Britain. The exact number is
difficult to calculate as the birds are so widespread and mobile, but it is
thought in excess of 1,000 birds have arrived here and that the true figure
might even be as high as 5,000. The estimated breeding population is only 500 –
1,000 pairs, so this is an incredible increase. The BirdTrack graph shows how
spectacular this arrival was compared to the historical average for the
species, and they are still being seen across the UK. Some of the largest
concentrations are currently to be found in Surrey, Sussex and Shropshire.
Hawfinch BirdTrack reporting rate 2017 almost quadrupled
It’s only a matter of time before the wintering geese and
wildfowl begin to head north and east too. February is the peak month for
Pintail, Goldeneye and White-fronted Goose all of which will be steadily
heading to the breeding grounds in Northern and Eastern Europe. Male Goldeneyes
at this time of the year can often be seen performing their display which
involves throwing their heads backwards, then forwards – extending the neck as
they do so – in readiness for the breeding season ahead. Other wildfowl will be
getting in to flocks ready to depart when the weather is favourable, with some
heading across Europe whilst others,such as Whooper Swans and Pink-footed
Geese, will be heading to Iceland and Greenland for the summer months.
Scott Mayson,
BirdTrack Organiser, and Paul Stancliffe, Media Manager
