Dramatic Fall in Numbers of Migratory Birds

[guineapig]

Did anyone see the report in today's papers about the decline in migratory birds arriving in UK? Some numbers have fallen by more than 50% in the last 10 years, including the cuckoo and the willow warbler (but there are many more). Scientists don't know the exact cause but loss of habitat in Africa is a major worry. It certainly strikes a chord with me. I very rarely hear cuckoos any more but at one time you could guarantee them in the Spring. I've also noticed a decline in the number of swifts in Chichester and places where there used to be house martins' nests don't have them any more. Very depressing.

[witham]

are they still shot or caught in nets in various places on their route to sell for human consumption?

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by guineapig

Did anyone see the report in today's papers about the decline in migratory birds arriving in UK? Some numbers have fallen by more than 50% in the last 10 years, including the cuckoo and the willow warbler (but there are many more). Scientists don't know the exact cause but loss of habitat in Africa is a major worry. It certainly strikes a chord with me. I very rarely hear cuckoos any more but at one time you could guarantee them in the Spring. I've also noticed a decline in the number of swifts in Chichester and places where there used to be house martins' nests don't have them any more. Very depressing.

John was only saying this the other day when we were all at Minsmere. He was surprised at the 'lack' of migratory woodland species.
It certainly is a worry and I would think that we will never know the true extent as to the drop off of these birds.Depressing indeed.

[Adam Cheeseman]

It's a combination of things. Firstly, the loss of habitat in their wintering grounds. The changing extent of The Sahel in Africa that catches a lot of migrants out who succumb to thirst. Then they have to navigate their way through the guns, nets and lime sticks in places like Italy, Malta, and Cyprus.
Plus they usually have two large bodies of water to get across. We have had very little in the way of decent migration weather this year and there were similar situations for the past three years, when we have had predominantly N/NE winds that hold back many of our migrants on the shores of Spain and France.

Had my first Common Tern and Swift for the year today.

Cheers,

Adam