News / Fair Isle migration study
A LARGE-SCALE study conducted by the Fair Isle Bird Observatory has revealed “dramatic” changes in bird migration from Africa over the last six decades.
Records show that migration in spring has taken place earlier in recent years for a number of species, including the swallow.
However, some species – such as the willow warbler – have migrated later in spring than expected.
The Fair Isle migration project has looked into data collected from the bird observatory over the last sixty years.
The study, conducted by Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust and the University of Aberdeen, will present its initial findings at RSPB Scotland’s Big Nature Festival in Musselburgh on Saturday.
The project shows that the swallow has been arriving on the isle in spring up to three weeks earlier than it did 60 years ago.
Timing of migration in autumn has also changed for many species since the 1950s.
The study also reveals that the number of scarce migrant birds arriving into Scotland from Eastern Europe and Siberia in the autumn has increased “sharply” over the last six decades.
The number of birds such as the barred warbler meanwhile has also increased.
Dr Will Miles, of the Fair Isle Migration Project, said that it is currently unclear exactly why these changes have taken place, but a shift in climate may have had an affect.
“The natural world is changing, including the timing and numbers of birds on migration and a crucial challenge facing scientists is to identify and understand these changes and their causes,” he said.
“It’s too early to say for sure why some birds are arriving so much earlier on Fair Isle, while others seem to be delaying their arrival, but possible causes include changing climate and weather patterns, also changes in the summer breeding range and population size of many species across Europe.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
