Russian White-fronted Geese - recorded on several nights during the late winter influx
So, this was my second spring recording nocturnal migration here in Wigginton, in the northern 'burbs of Yorvik (for last year's spring summary, see here). 'Spring' is somewhat underselling it, with efforts stretching from January until the end of June, but you get the idea.
A total of eight nights recorded in January were notable for regular, small numbers of Redwings as well as Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, a Snipe on 4th (with overnight temps down to -4) as well as Golden Plovers, Teal, Coot and a surprise Redpoll on 28th.
Ten nights of recording in February were mainly steady, with Redwings, Song Thrushes, Moorhens, Golden Plovers and Teal all registering on multiple nights, while Skylark, Siskin and Reed Bunting were unusual passerine records in the dead of night. Another couple of Coots were recorded as they made their way back to breeding grounds, while small numbers of Black-headed Gulls and Oystercatchers began to move.
March is invariably one of the most productive months for nocmig, and this year was no different in that respect - lots of variety, some big movements, and some notably stand-out nights to enjoy. A total of 29 nights analysis were possible, and the cast of regulars included double figures of Coots, Golden Plovers, Oystercatchers and Moorhens, a scattering of Water Rails, Little Grebes, single Redshank and Dunlin, a few Curlews....
An excellent return passage of Whooper Swans occurred in March
An excellent return passage of Whooper Swans occurred in March ... several nights of good Black-headed Gull passage, the first couple of Common Gulls towards the month's end, and passerine action in the shape of several Robins and a Skylark in additional to modest numbers of returning winter thrushes.
But the big story once again was wildfowl. In addition to Shelducks on 17th, multiple flocks of Pink-feet, Teal and (especially) Wigeon, Whooper Swans were especially numerous and prevalent through the month: six nights featured their fabulous horn-section-warming-up contact calls, with three groups on 18th and a few notably large, long flocks recorded on several nights.
And then there were scoters... and lots of 'em. Regular readers will know how much I look forward to nocturnal Common Scoter passage in spring, especially from my wonderfully productive studies at Filey and Flamborough over the years, and I was hopeful that - with my new home in the Vale of York potentially on a main flightline between the Irish and North sea - this was a transferable joy.
Last year's results here delivered beyond my highest expectations, with a total of 114 flocks sound-recorded between 5th March and 1st April, peaking as hoped in the last week of March (with a high flock count of 17 on 26th). This year? Even better....
Passage began on 6th, and featured (amazingly) on almost every night; multiple flocks per night soon became the norm, with highs of 13 flocks on 21st and 17 flocks on 26th - the latter all in a very tight window between 2023hrs and 2137hrs, just before the showers began; classic 'funnelling' conditions and a thrill to analyse.
Redwings were regular in the early months of the year, although not in great numbers
By the end of March, the total number of Scoter flocks recorded came to an impressive 91; slightly down on the above March '25 tally, but it was far from over at that point. Unlike last year, passage continued on well into April, and by no means in diminishing returns. Almost every night up to and including the 12th featured their little ray-gun beeps, with no fewer than four nights featuring double-figures of flocks:
16 flocks on 3rd, 14 on 5th, 10 on 6th and 16 on 8th contributed to an exceptional 66 flocks for April overall, totalling 157 flocks for March and April. Realistically, that'll take a lot of beating, but you never know - and either way, nocturnal spring Scoter migration will remain a real highlight of my birding year.
Plenty of other action in April included a Tree Pipit on 1st and a Meadow Pipit on 19th, a Blackcap on 30th, regular Coots and Moorhens, odd Water Rails, two skeins of Pink-feet (on 6th), regular Black-headed Gulls (including a heavy passage on 6th), and a good selection of waders: a Common Sandpiper on 1st, Redshank on 6th, Greenshank on 8th, Little Ringed Plover on 12th, a Whimbrel on 30th and regular Golden Plovers and Oystercatchers.
As is usually the case, possibilities (and numbers) contract significantly in May, although there were decent returns to justify a total of 30 nights analysis. Another nice selection of waders included Little Ringed Plover on 1st, Whimbrels on 1st and 11th, Common Sandpipers on 1st and 14th, Curlews on several dates, Redshank on 8th, and a flock of Knot on 18th.
Common Scoters weren't quite done for the spring, either - flocks on 2nd, 4th (two) and 10th brought the seasonal total to 161. The odd Coot, Water Rail and Little Grebe continued to announce their nocturnal presence during the month, but arguably the highlights of the month were the four Spotted Flycatchers (two on 22nd, and singles on 24th and 25th) and better still, a Cuckoo in full-on song mode as it migrated over the house at 0129hrs on 26th.
Possibilities narrow further still by June, but as past experience as shown, if the conditions are good, it can be well worth the efforts, and June this year has certainly been worthwhile. Aside from regular staples (Moorhens, Coot, Oystercatchers), a second consecutive June record of Avocet (after at least two on 16th last year), this time on 8th, was fine surprise, and other waders consisted of Redshank on 11th, two Curlews on 22nd and a Lapwing on 20th.
With an exceptional and sustained influx of Common Quails into the country over the last few weeks, I was hoping to get in on the action at some point; nothing doing, until not one but two overnight on 20th, another two registrations on 21st, and then a single on 23rd...
