Rare Birds Blown Off Course

Image from skullman at Pixabay

Hurricane Lee, a recent storm that lashed our shores,  left behind some unexpected visitors causing a bit of a stir.

A number of small songbirds were blown off their migration routes in surprisingly large numbers, and some were very rare indeed  for the UK.

For birdwatchers this was a rare treat and they were flocking to places such as the nature reserve at Ramsey Island to catch a glimpse of around 15 different species, including 49 individual Canada warblers – never been seen here before.

For the bay-breasted warbler, it is only its second UK sighting, and the magnolia warbler its third.

While the birdwatchers were delighted to enjoy these little birds, it was perhaps not so great for the birds themselves who are likely to be the few survivors of the storms that probably drowned hundreds of their companions. Most of the survivors will be stuck here for the winter and are not likely to survive, but some may be able to continue their migration south to a warmer winter.

Let’s hope they make it.