Keeping an eye on migration

At this time of year it is worth exploring any shrub-covered hillside or river valleys, even pay attention to any cover in a garden and urban park. Many small warblers, flycatchers and even the elusive whinchat might be found and sometimes in good numbers. Even those birds we think of as 'our summer birds' such as the bee-eater, will be appearing with flocks from northern populations passing through, as most of our breeding summer residents will have departed long before these northern populations arrive.

This month we will see northern populations of crag martin, joined by some of our resident birds from higher altitudes, cruising the skies above the tall buildings of our coastal towns and villages.

White wagtails and black redstarts will be present as urban birds as they arrive for the winter. Early song thrushes will also appear.

And yet, this is a period of migration when we can get large numbers of the beautiful common redstart and pied flycatcher feeding in the area before continuing their long journey to their wintering quarters in Africa; two of my favourite birds!