Migrant came aboard boat for free ride but can't ID

[Geoff F]

I admit to not being very good with the little brown birds and can't quite identify this one.

We were hauling crabpots about 2 miles off Prawle Point S. Devon this morning when a tired little bird landed on the foredeck just 2 ft from where I was working. After a while, when the blackbacks were coming too close it moved to actually inside the wheelhouse and perched on the window ledge, once again just a couple of feet from me. When we turned for home, it went under the foredeck and perched on a hydraulic pipe, where it was warm and sheltered. After we returned to harbour and as we picked up the mooring it flew off towards the nearest trees.

It sort of looks familar but I just can't find it in my books. I can't seem to match the colours and the bill shape on the same bird. Any suggestions?

[aeshna5]

It's a Meadow Pipit.

[big bill]

Meadow Pipit (Anthus oratensis) nice set of oics well done

[Geoff F]

That's quick; thanks. I had looked at the Pipits but my book shows them as longer and leaner birds. Also I didn't realise they were migratory.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

That's quick; thanks. I had looked at the Pipits but my book shows them as longer and leaner birds. Also I didn't realise they were migratory.

Meadow Pipits are a resident species, yet at the same time there are seasonal movements. Nearly 300 were seen by one observer going over a site in London today.

[Adam Cheeseman]

A lot do migrate into the country from the continent for the summer as well as the resident population and those that migrater here for the winter from central Europe.

This time of year will see quite a visible diurnal migration taking place. They are quite vocal too.


Cheers,

Adam

[ChrisJB]

Our local ones are back on territory now, performing their jolly parachuting display flights.

Regards, Chris

[JeffH]

What a great little story Geoff - I wonder where it came from?

Jeff

[Geoff F]

Being one of the most southerly places in the country and sticking out into the Channel we do see quite a lot of migrating birds skimming just over the sea. Occasionally an exhausted bird which can't make the extra couple of miles seems to think that landing on a small fishing boat is preferable to ditching in the sea. Usually they continue after a short rest but this bird waited to be taken to the shore. It was a bit misty so that might have caused it some confusion.

I wonder if it will remain in the area or continue to head further north.

Sometimes a bird will circle the boat a few times before continuing on it's way. I like to think they are looking at the port of registration details to check that they are on course!

Saw the first 2 swallows of the year as well.

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

...... I like to think they are looking at the port of registration details to check that they are on course!

Nice one Geoff .....but if racing pigeons can find their way by following motorways (as reported some time ago) anything's possible

Jeff

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by JeffH

Nice one Geoff .....but if racing pigeons can find their way by following motorways (as reported some time ago) anything's possible

Jeff

What did they before motorways

[Adam Cheeseman]

Drove Roads