Wheatear Migration

Hello! I am totally new to bird watching and this is my first post on here. I have been watching wheatears in my garden since May and there were quite a few pairs nesting in the wall along the back of our garden. However since late July, they all seem to have left apart from one male Wheatear who I still see patrolling up and down the wall, chasing away other birds who land near it. Is it possible that the other Wheatears have migrated and left him behind? Thanks
  • Hi Elle

    How lucky you are to see Wheatears up close like that, I wouldn't worry I think he will migrate when the urge takes hold.

    My Flickr photos

  • In reply to Alan:

    Thanks. I love watching them. One pair had a nest in the wall near my back window and it was fascinating watching their behaviour. I saw the male trying to chase a rabbit away from the nest area. The rabbit wasn't that bothered so he gave up in the end. Trouble is as the garden window is in my kitchen so I end up over cooking a lot of meals due to watching all the bird's antics in the garden.

  • In reply to Elle:

    Hi Elle, Wheatears are one of my favourites to and one of the serious migrants that travel thousands of miles each year. A great open moorland and upland bird that are never to far away from boulders, Rocks and stone walls. Where I live we get them on the southwest coast, on the beach and on the cliff tops when they arrive in the spring and depart in the Autumn. A very smart and great looking bird...roll on the Spring.

    Where are you in the uk?

  • In reply to Derek C:

    To get window views in summer must be worth a few overcooked meals,nice one for a garden tick.

    Pete

    Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can