A late winter’s tale? Change in weather set to lead to delayed migration
A sudden cold snap is set to bring a late influx of wintering birds onto reserves in the UK wildlife experts are predicting.
From tomorrow (Friday) the mild wet weather which has dominated our winter so far is set to end. Instead it will be replaced by colder, dryer days and prolonged easterly winds creating the perfect conditions for migration. On reserves such as the one at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre the unusual weather has led to large flocks of waders choosing to stay in bigger numbers than in the recent colder winters. It has, however, also led to slightly lower numbers of swans, geese and ducks, which have so far managed to remain further north thanks to the mild weather conditions throughout western Europe.
This late cold snap though is likely to encourage them to complete the last leg of their migration over to the UK.
Dave Paynter, reserve manager at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, says it is an exciting time for birdwatchers. He said: “This warmer wetter winter has been really interesting for birdwatching contrasting with the past two winters which have been cold and dry.
“This upcoming cold weather will act as a prompt for birds to move further south and the wind direction will create perfect flying conditions.
“The combination could have quite a dramatic effect on wildlife in the UK. This year we have seen higher numbers of waders enjoying the warm wet weather such as flocks of lapwing, dunlin and golden plover, but have so far failed to see the numbers of geese, ducks and swans we would expect.
“This is because the weather has been so mild that they have stopped early on their migration as it is easier for them to find food further north.”
One bird, which staff at WWT Slimbridge are especially keen to see return is Winterling. If the swan, which would have turned 29 last year, flies onto the reserve she will be the oldest wild swan ever recorded.
Winterling is one of the 300 or so Bewick’s swanswhich fly to spend the winter at Slimbridge each year when conditions in their breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra become inhospitable.
