Early migration update
13 Sep 2018![Wheatear by Jeff Lack Wheatear by Jeff Lack](https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/styles/300_width/public/birdtrack-news/wheatearjefflack.jpg?itok=9LRtK3dq)
Migration has begun to pick up in the last month, with Cuckoo and Swift the usual early departures. While the reporting rate for most species remains around average, it was noticeably below for several migrants, for example Wheatear and Willow Warbler. At this stage it is still too early to know if this reflects unfavourable migration conditions or a poor breeding season.
A change in weather conditions in late July brought an early arrival of several species, notably Wood and Curlew Sandpipers, as well as Pied Flycatchers. There was a significant fall of the latter in particular all along the south and east coast of Britain. The highest count came from Spurn, East Yorkshire where up to 41 were found.
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