Migration "Going Back"

Hello All,

A quick observation, as of yesterday I have noticed a sharp decline in numbers of visitors to my bird feeders and the volume of food consumed.

I am wondering if the strong westerly winds we have had since yesterday have encouraged the birds to go back to Europe and beyond  to their breeding grounds.

Has anyone else has noticed a sharp decline in food consumed and visitor numbers ?.

All the best

RR.

  • Hi RR

    Our garden is as hectic as ever although there is some pairing of of certian bird pecies.

    We had a flock of LTT's until a week or two now it is only two.  We have a lone Black Cap (no signs of a Mrs Blackcap yet).

    We have 2 Dunnock's (flirting with one another) 6 Blackbird's and they are starting to get a little on each other nerves due to territory requirements no doubt.  I am watching the hedge area above our pond as that is one place a pair of Blackbirds nested last year.

    We have a further 2 Collared Doves and 2 Wood Pigeons.  The Starlings are up to 20 birds at the moment and they remain together in their little congregation close to my garden.

    A Mr and Mrs Chaffinch, and a few blue Tits and a couple of Great Tits.  We had 2 Robins ..... now it is one so I am sure that they are 2 males fighting for territory.

    The amount of bird action seems to get a lot busier just before I feed them.  They seem to know when I an going to come out of the door with Mealworms and Sultanas

    So in so many words the bird activity here is as busy as ever.  The only difference is that the birds are pairing of to do what comes naturally find a home and build a nest.

    Regards

    Kathy and Dave

  • Hi RR

    I saw a TV birding clip that said birding for autumn migrants grinds to a halt at the beginning of March when they all go back home.

    Now we have to wait for the summer migrants to appear. :-)

    Best wishes Chris

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous 11/03/2011 22:39 in reply to Woodpecker

    The same here Chris

    I really look forward to hearing all the Warblers singing once more

    Not heard one yet but they are around about in ones and 2's.

    They are a nice addition to the other birds in the garden due to their powerful songs that they emit all day.

    Regards

    Kathy and Dave

  • My garden has gone noticably quiet.

    The Bramblings have gone, only had two siskins this week, back to the staples of Blue Tits, Great Tits, Coal Tits and a couple of paired up robins. Awaiting the return of Chiffchaffs, I have Reed Warblers now, which I didn't a fortnight ago. It's all change as you say!

    Ant

    "IT IS SAID THAT LIFE FLASHES BEFORE YOUR EYES BEFORE YOU DIE. THAT IS TRUE, IT'S CALLED LIVING."
    Death - Terry Pratchett (The Last Continent).

  • Thank you to everyone for the posts.

    They have all made very interesting reading..

    It looks like we are seeing something of the same, and  are all looking forward to spring.

    All the best

    RR