Return migration

[Colin Key]

Just returned from walking my dog around the marsh and was surprised to see three Dunlin which are obviously on return migration. They were adults in breeding plumage but looked very "worn" and were also exhausted - they allowed me (with dog) to get to within 10 metres and were clearly too tired to move. This is very early for returns (end July - early August is normal) and makes me realise just how short the breeding season is; it is probably six weeks or less since these birds were here on northern migration to the sub-Arctic.

Also many post-breeding gulls (Black-headed, Meds, and a couple of Audouins) are back from their more local breeding areas to join the huge number of immature non-breeders (Yellow-legged and LB-b).

Colin

[Steve Fletcher]

Quite a few House Martins beginning to reappear here now this week.

[Colin Key]

Quite a few House Martins beginning to reappear here now this week.

Steve,

This mild, wet winter has been very kind to our birds. We always have Barn Swallows wintering in the Algarve (presumably northern birds as I have witnessed a mass exodus of our summer breeders in late August most years) and I have several records of birds breeding in December and having fledglings in January. This winter we have also had overstaying Red-rumped Swallows and House Martins in smaller numbers. Today is warm (19℃) and sunny and there is a superabundance of insects - dragonflies and damselflies, Monarch butterflies, etc. as well as the trillions of smaller species as aerial "plankton". The Chiffchaffs are also enjoying the abundant food supply.

Fingers crossed that we can get through January without a frost.

Colin :smile: