‘Migweek 2018’ had it all – ringing demonstrations, guided walks, an optics ‘drop in ‘ event and a series of inspiring presentations, all topped off by the privilege of watching Darren Woodhead ‘Painting from Life’ at the Living Seas Centre. Several hundred visiting birders were inspired by talks on topics as varied as visible migration, the ‘Champions of the Flyway’ and birding RSPB Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough.
Even the weather relented and gave us migrant-inducing conditions for almost the first time this autumn – and the birds obliged, turning up en masse. Highlights included two Olive-backed Pipits, a Little Bunting, two Great White Egrets, a Dotterel, a long-staying Barred Warbler, four Waxwing, a Hawfinch and daily maxima of: 22 Yellow-browed Warblers, 10,350 Redwing, 1210 Fieldfare, 910 Song Thrush, 31 Ring Ouzels, 560 Tree Sparrows and 125 Brambling.
During the week, 435 birds of 30 different species were rung, including: seven Yellow-browed Warblers, 78 Blackbirds, 34 Song Thrush, 55 Redwing, 15 Blackcap, seven Chiffchaff, 16 Goldcrests, 74 Tree Sparrows and three Lesser Redpolls.
