Perhaps higher than average breeding results and lower than average food sources have resulted in Scandinavian tits to move south. Coal Tits are now everywhere on the continent, their invasion is well established. I found one exhausted on a flower border in the centre of the city of Maastricht over the weekend. (Normally a rare sight away from coniferous areas.)
Now Blue Tits are on the move. At Falsterbo numbers have been record-breaking: 45500 (Wed 3.10), 21300 (Tue 2.10), 87400 (Mon 1.10), 21600 (Sun 30.9) and a total of 212700 thus far this autumn. Annual autumn averages since 1973 have been 20908 individuals counted. So a lot of birds are on the move this year.
Also, Chaffinch/Brambling seem to be doing something similar: 380200 (Wed), 271000 (Tue), 108400 (Mon), 302200 (Sat), thus far 1560005 individuals since 1 August, twice as many as the annual autumn average.
Something to look forward to this winter perhaps.
Falsterbo Fågelstation.
6 comments:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZI7t8C7_Cs&feature=plcp
Had a pair of 'great tits' on the move just across the desk from me this morning....bins not necessary!
Had 2 Coal tits wing-fluttering & chasing around the garden in a mating ritual this morning - is this significant ?
I have seen a few Coal Tits along the coast including one today. One the other day looked quite grey and was possibly a continental bird.
I have seen a few Coal Tits along the coast including one today. One the other day looked quite grey and was possibly a continental bird.
Let me know when the Hawk Owls arrive.............please!!!!!
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