Migration Spring 2016

I thought it would be a good time to start the new thread for Spring 2016 as we are now seeing bird movements along the Devon coast. Our first Sand Martins were recorded yesterday with individuals seen in South Devon, on the Exe and in North Devon near the River Taw. ChiffChaffs have been seen in growing numbers with large numbers of Meadow Pipits seen on both coastlines. A few Wheatears have been reported in the South West none in Exmouth to date but could be any time soon. Interestingly several Red Kites have been reported locally which is a rarity for Devon however this time of year we tend to get continental birds drifting over to the UK. It is understood these birds are Male in search of females. There in no local population of Red Kite so these birds will probably drift on thro' our area. Our Exe Brent Geese are now dispersing and heading north on their epic journey of 3000 miles back to Northern Siberia where they'll stay on their breeding grounds until September when hopefully they will return with more youngsters than last year. Our Avocets will be off soon back to Holland and the low countries on the continent. Widgeon, Teal, Pintail Redshank, Godwits, and other Waders will be also heading north for the long days of summer to all return again from September for yet another winter with us in Devon. We have plenty to look forward to in the coming few months with increasing numbers of migrants hitting our shores... a very interesting and exciting time ahead. Please feel free to add to thin thread when migration hits your area. Thanks for reading.