October has ended and with it the door to autumn is firmly closed, or at least as far as birds are concerned, and November opens the door to winter that will endure for the next three months for most of our migrant winter birds. Wintering birds will have found their favoured territories and in many cases returning adults will occupy the same areas each year. Monitoring through ringing (banding) and GPS tracking has shown many birds will use the same places for topping up their fat and muscle as they make their way to wintering grounds and the same is true for many birds during their spring migrations. Autumn migration tends to be more protracted as there is no hurry to find prime breeding sites, so birds seem to take a more leisurely approach to migration during this period.
Much as I use the aftermath of migration in spring to determine population trends for our birds, I also do the same each year for our wintering birds. The study in winter can be more complicated due to fluctuations in weather, for example warmer weather patterns in the north can delay winter bird arrivals and even reduce the need for some northern birds to return this far south during years when northern temperatures remain conducive to food availability. Another spanner in the works for using annual comparisons of wintering populations is weather extremes at higher altitudes in my mountains during winter months that can result in altitudinal dispersal from high mountains to lower valleys and elevations. So, I must rely on my own experience and observations to attempt putting numbers to those birds arriving to spend time here for the winter.
Autumn and spring migrations have their own settling months, when mostly birds have arrived to spend winter or in spring to breed, usually November for winter and May for spring. In both cases, these months see me in anxious mode as I have become used to monitoring declines in populations for many birds and especially those insectivores either choosing to winter or breed here. These declines can be deeply depressing and are a result of many decades of personal observation. It has become decidedly difficult trying to attribute reasons for the declines and most might well be multifaceted, for example the increasing effects of industrial agricultural with its associated high use of herbicides and insecticides, destruction of natural wild areas to accommodate even more land for agricultural use, drainage of wetland areas to reclaim further areas for planting of such exotic crops as avocados, mangos and other fruits demanded by an unaware consumer. Hunting of birds as a food source or just to indulge the obsessions of those labelling killing birds as a sport, are not helping certain birds survive migration when they have enough natural obstacles to overcome on their long journeys. It is worrisome and has had me searching (scrambling) for possible solutions or projects that might have, at least in some small way, benefit to birds and wildlife to survive negative impacts on our natural world and heritage.
When you are involved in the frontline of attempting to conserve and preserve our natural heritage you become acutely aware that natural resources are finite, and that the continuing overconsumption and destruction of these resources are simply not sustainable. There is an urgent need to address excessive use of natural resources and the problems created by this total disregard for our planet, it is inexcusable and unfathomable we can all be so complicit in the destruction of the very things we need to survive. The biggest threat to us all, and by far the largest elephant in the room, is climate change and how this is not being addressed with anything approaching the urgency necessary to reverse the problems we are seeing unfold before our own eyes. On a personal level, it was refreshing and informative, during a recent visit to the UK, to be able discuss with family, friends and colleagues the problems associated with climate change and the impact it has on our lives and that of wildlife.
Of course, when I am trying to determine declines in bird populations and the associated causes, changes to our weather must be considered. The ever-increasing number of extreme weather events happening on a global scale contribute to habitat destruction, severe drought decimate flora and by association insect life, all result in displacing our birds and must affect survival rates for many. Couple all things together, then our wildlife is under enormous pressure and in need of our help, even providing water in our gardens can be lifesaving in the region, a simple plant pot saucer or an upturned dustbin lid filled with water will attract birds for you to enjoy as well as providing them with help. Providing a space in the garden to grow native plants will attract insects and seeds, both food sources for birds and bats will appreciate the insects. Recycling our waste and avoiding plastics can contribute towards improving the planet’s health, saving water is becoming ever more important and simple things like turning off the tap whilst brushing your teeth can make a difference, recycling water for watering plants and generally making water savings can help. In short, we can all do something and as a collective this can make a huge difference.
Another direct way to help is to join us at the Andalucía Bird Society, we are a nonprofit organisation and run entirely by volunteers and so membership fees contribute directly to the many conservation and preservation projects under the Society’s banner ‘Caring for Nature’. As a bonus to membership, you get a full colour quarterly magazine, monthly newsletters and can attend free monthly field meetings held throughout the region. We can all do something in these worrying times and becoming part of a collective can be rewarding in so many ways, so do please consider joining ABS and enjoy nature with friends. ABS also has the facility on their website for donating to the conservation and preservation cause, so please consider joining or donating or both.
Details of how join the Society can be found on the ABS website here.
Article: Peter Jones
Photographs: Peter Jones and CABS
Note: The views expressed in articles are those of the authors, and are not necessarily those of the Society.