This is the first Bird Note that I have written since before Covid. The first lockdown was very enjoyable because you could walk around and see hardly any cars. In some places people that sought relief in the countryside found several nature reserves, such as Titchwell, closed because the absence of visitors before re-opening had led to birds taking advantage of isolation and nesting on or near footpaths. In order to avoid disturbance the birds were allowed to breed in peace. But It was a great joy to walk through the woods and hear the sound of the returning Warblers.

The last couple of years, however, have seen some changes in behaviour. In summer 2022 there was a distinct lack of hirundines (Swallows and Martins and Swifts. Sand Martins, always the first to arrive, appeared as usual but then Swallows, House Martins and Swifts were noticeably down in numbers. The direction of the winds didn’t help. However, Nightingale numbers locally have held up, so not all African migrants suffered a decline.

In the last few years Southey Wood has hosted several pairs of Spotted Flycatchers in summer and in winter has been graced with a good showing of Crossbills- Crossbills avoid the hot dry summers as they breed early in the year – so there have been some positives. On the whole, though, deteriorating conditions on the route from central Africa to the UK has led to a reduction in numbers. And some birds, such as Chiffchaffs, have increased their survival chances by over-wintering here. So it will be interesting to see how many others adjust their behaviour going forward.
But winter birding has changed substantially. The rare autumn migrants that arc their way from Northern Europe through Britain on their journey back to Africa on what is known as the Eastern Flyway were deterred by southerly winds last year and many winter migrants from Northern Europe to Britain never appeared. There were reports of thousands of Waxwings waiting on the Scandinavian coast to cross to Britain but only a handful came, mostly to Scotland. The numbers of winter migrants are always influenced by the availability of food in Scandinavia and adjacent territories but global warming seems to be pushing birds to stay put. The numbers of Geese and Swans from the far north are slowly declining. And then, of course, came Avian Influenza and thousands of birds around Britain that nest colonially have died in their thousands. Gannets, Puffins and Skuas are amongst the most well-known and for some of these affected species Britain holds a large proportion of the world populations so the impact has had huge consequences. It has been heartbreaking to see pictures of the devastation.

As I write this, summer migrants are starting to appear. Sand Martins have been here for a few weeks. There are Chiffchaffs calling everywhere and the Ospreys are back at RutIand Water. I saw my first Swallow a week ago so, hopefully, we may have a good year to cheer us up as we move beyond the pandemic and seek solace in nature.

KEITH LIEVESLEY