All change

30 Apr 2013

Before going on leave a few weeks ago, I highlighted 6 species as 'ones to watch': 3 where the BirdTrack reporting rate was likely to plummet, and 3 for whom it would hopefully rocket. The graphs on the right – available on the Home page – reveal what has been happening. Redwings have taken advantage of the improved weather to make a belated beeline for their Fennoscandian breeding grounds, whilst many wintering Woodcocks (including some satellite-tagged birds like 'Olwen') are now as far away as Russia. The story has been a little different with Siskin; earlier this month they were recorded in >40% of BTO Garden BirdWatch (GBW) gardens, the highest level since 1995. Although both the GBW and BirdTrack reporting rates are now dropping, they both remain well above average for the time of year.

Summer migrants have now flooded in, reflected in a dramatic increase in the proportion of complete lists featuring species such as Chiffchaff and Sand Martin. Most resident breeding species are now back on territory and engrossed in breeding activities; consequently the Reed Bunting reporting rate has finally shown an upsurge.



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