Swift?

[david156]

I would think that these swift reports could relate to alpine swifts that have drifted off course and they are later migrants than our normal swift. Only a theory

[Morph]

Originally Posted by david156

I would think that these swift reports could relate to alpine swifts that have drifted off course and they are later migrants than our normal swift. Only a theory

But you would think Bird Guides would have stated if it was an Alpine ?

[Jason Claxton]

Oh yes that would be nice,I've yet to see one,let me know if it is Ian

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Morph

But you would think Bird Guides would have stated if it was an Alpine ?

I doubt it was an Alpine Swift as these are such distinctive birds, so unlikely to be confused, but a Pallid Swift would need good views to tell from a Common Swift + though quite distinctive, with the strong southwesterlies we've been having an American Chimney Swift would be in with a small chance, though my money would be on Common or Pallid

[david156]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

I doubt it was an Alpine Swift as these are such distinctive birds, so unlikely to be confused, but a Pallid Swift would need good views to tell from a Common Swift + though quite distinctive, with the strong southwesterlies we've been having an American Chimney Swift would be in with a small chance, though my money would be on Common or Pallid

Hi. Sorry I was having an off day. I ment pallid swift not alpine! RBA reported as a swift species only and theres been no reports since.

[Tringa]

I don't know which bird you saw Beekeeper, but this has been an unusual year.

Autumn has, so far, in the south and in the north been very mild. I saw lots of swallows in Islay in late September/early October. Early November in NW Scotland was exceptionally mild and this week in London the temperature was in the mid teens.

It would not surprise me if there are some birds that should have left a good while ago which are still about.

Dave

[Beekeeper]

Hi Jason,

Haven't been home much this week due to heavy workload but will keep a lookout for it on Sunday when i am home and with a bit of luck if it is still around i may be able to say one way or the other.

Dave, yes it is a weird year, the good thing about it is that it is saving me a fortune in heating bills for my tropical plant greenhouses which usually cost me around £15 -£25.00 per week this time of year. Not only that but i am still harvesting Tomatoes.


Ian

[richnfamous]

Originally Posted by Beekeeper

Dave, yes it is a weird year, the good thing about it is that it is saving me a fortune in heating bills for my tropical plant greenhouses which usually cost me around £15 -£25.00 per week this time of year. Not only that but i am still harvesting Tomatoes.

Ian

I've been eating the odd raspberry from a friend's garden today. That seems a bit late to me...?

[Morph]

Originally Posted by Tringa

I don't know which bird you saw Beekeeper, but this has been an unusual year.

Autumn has, so far, in the south and in the north been very mild. I saw lots of swallows in Islay in late September/early October. Early November in NW Scotland was exceptionally mild and this week in London the temperature was in the mid teens.

It would not surprise me if there are some birds that should have left a good while ago which are still about.

Dave

Migration patterns in aren't so much ruled by temperature as by the amount of daylight. Shorter cooler days reduce insect availability and so reduce the amount of food the birds can take.