I don't think so. These guys - and their mates - can be found in 
suitable habitat just about anywhere now, winter as well as
summer. I note recent records on the LDBWS website at both Foulshaw Moss and Dalton Crag, the latter a place I've never visited but clearly I need to now I know this bird can be encountered here whilst searching for an apparently elusive Great Grey Shrike.
The Stonechat is a very complex species and just one example of this complexity is that whilst the majority remain in the UK staying close to their breeding territory or making longer movements within the UK. The minority migrate to Southern Europe and the coastal countries of North Africa.
The complexity becomes even more so when you realise that from a brood of lets say six, three can end up in Africa, whilst the other three stay on Clougha......beat that for being a complicated species. And if you really want to develop a headache ask yourself
The Stonechat is a very complex species and just one example of this complexity is that whilst the majority remain in the UK staying close to their breeding territory or making longer movements within the UK. The minority migrate to Southern Europe and the coastal countries of North Africa.
The complexity becomes even more so when you realise that from a brood of lets say six, three can end up in Africa, whilst the other three stay on Clougha......beat that for being a complicated species. And if you really want to develop a headache ask yourself
when and why are these decisions made by these birds.
Re-migration. Of 2,000 nestlings ringed in Cumbria during the 1990s ALL recoveries have been within the British Isles and north African recoveries have referred to birds ringed on the south coast. However, one from SW Scotland was found in Iberia. Secondly, there has been no evidence of natal site fidelity during subsequent breeding seasons, the implication being that it is highly exceptional for nestlings to remain in the natal area for the winter. Reference: Migration Atlas.
ReplyDeleteWasn't it Talking Heads made the record 'I'm on the road to nowhere'
ReplyDeleteI'm reminded of this song here Pete. A contradiction between the book you quote and the book I didn't quote.
I'll get back on this but not at the moment, too busy.
Back to Talking Heads.
Pete
ReplyDeleteHave a look at the ringing recoveries map in the Migration Atlas
Regards
opete
I'll do that Pete and I'll also quote you some more from the book I refer to. By the way....many thanks for supporting the new blog by making your comments.
ReplyDelete