Wintering (Non-Breeding) Bird Surveys – When Can They Start?
We’re experiencing something called a “false autumn” according to the UK Met Office.
This is when leaves drop and fruit ripens earlier than usual, triggered by prolonged dry spells and high temperatures.
And as we all know, June and July were exceptionally hot with England recording its warmest June on record.
These seasonal shifts are becoming more common and affect not only trees. Our ornithologists are already seeing early autumn migration and over-wintering birds arriving ahead of schedule at key sites across the UK.
So, does this have an impact on when wintering bird (also known as non-breeding bird) surveys can start?
Wintering bird surveys usually require four site visits, one per month, ideally conducted from November through to February. However, a site with potential for migrating birds, known as passage migrants, requires a wider survey window because these birds are only present during certain periods. A longer survey period may therefore be needed to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the site's importance for both migrating and resident bird populations.
Jessica Stuart-Smith, Principal Ecologist and Ornithologist Team Lead at Ecology by Design observed "Autumn migration is well underway, with many of our summer migrants now being recorded heading back south”.
Similarly, Kent Wildlife Trust recently told the BBC that migratory birds are arriving in the UK weeks ahead of schedule this year.
With this in mind, we recommend clients book in wintering (non-breeding) bird surveys as soon as possible.
For further information on whether you might need one, check out our earlier blog: Wintering Bird Survey – when will you need one? | Ecology by Design
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