As the golden hues of autumn begin to tint the landscape, the shifting weather patterns remind us that summer is drawing to a close.
Despite a late summer heatwave at the end of July, the return of more unsettled weather signals the end of the breeding season and the start of a remarkable journey for many of our feathered visitors.
Migratory birds graced our skies over the summer and are already beginning their long journey back to Africa.
From mid-August onwards, coastal birdwatchers eagerly anticipate rain and wind. These conditions are ideal for grounding migrating songbirds that might otherwise pass overhead unnoticed.
Autumn brings unsettled weather, signaling the departure of birds to warmer African climates.Warblers, flycatchers, and chats, among others, migrate primarily at night, resting and feeding during the day. For the keen birder, an early morning visit to suitable habitats could reveal unexpected sightings as these birds pause on their journey south.
Birds that feed on flying insects, such as swallows, martins, and swifts, travel during the day, catching their prey mid-flight.
Their behavior is closely tied to local weather conditions. Low-pressure systems drive insects closer to the ground, and the birds follow, swooping low to catch their meals.
Conversely, during periods of high pressure, these birds can be seen soaring high in the sky on late summer evenings, pursuing invisible insects. Their flight patterns can even serve as an informal weather forecast, as the old saying goes: “Swallows high, staying dry; Swallows low, wet will blow.”
As September transitions into October, these avian travelers will leave our shores, heading off to enjoy a second spring and summer in the warmth of sub-Saharan Africa. But rest assured, they will return next spring, bringing joy to our skies again.