or is it that birds have been pushed over by the cold snap in europe?
The fact that Spurn Bird Observatory recorded what was only their 7th ever Bittern on 31 January this year would seem to support this theory. It's very likely that this bird, found at the point (far from typical habitat) was resting after crossing the North Sea. This would suggest a possible late-winter influx from the continent.
Simon Johnson said
Sat Feb 18 3:01 AM, 2012
or is it that birds have been pushed over by the cold snap in europe?
Mark Rigby said
Sat Feb 18 2:40 AM, 2012
Martyn Jones wrote:
Are we having a particularly good year for Bitterns? They seem to be popping up all over the place (Moore, Marbury, Mere Sands Wood and even Penny and the Wigan Flashes as well as the consistent Leighton Moss).
I don't remember so many being reported last year when I was struggling to get to see one.
Hi Martyn,
All the sites you mention are well known wintering sites. Most birds will be migrants from the continent and unfortunately, most will return there for the breeding season. It may well indicate that last year was a particularly successful breeding season.
Nick Isherwood said
Sat Feb 18 2:15 AM, 2012
It does seem that way Martyn but all the places you've mentioned usually get birds each winter. The only exception perhaps being Mere Sands.
Martyn Jones said
Sat Feb 18 1:55 AM, 2012
Are we having a particularly good year for Bitterns? They seem to be popping up all over the place (Moore, Marbury, Mere Sands Wood and even Penny and the Wigan Flashes as well as the consistent Leighton Moss).
I don't remember so many being reported last year when I was struggling to get to see one.
The fact that Spurn Bird Observatory recorded what was only their 7th ever Bittern on 31 January this year would seem to support this theory. It's very likely that this bird, found at the point (far from typical habitat) was resting after crossing the North Sea. This would suggest a possible late-winter influx from the continent.
Hi Martyn,
All the sites you mention are well known wintering sites. Most birds will be migrants from the continent and unfortunately, most will return there for the breeding season. It may well indicate that last year was a particularly successful breeding season.
I don't remember so many being reported last year when I was struggling to get to see one.