Migrant birds fall foul of autumn fog

In the last few days, the RSPB’s Bempton reserve has been inundated with migrating birds, carried by north easterly winds.

And the thick fog and rain along the coast has prevented them from leaving.

The phenomenon is known as a “fall of migrants”.

Senior RSPB conservation officer Tim Melling, said this happened about once every 10 years, adding: “At this time of the year we expect all the birds from Scandinavia and Russia to be flying across out of the winter, which is obviously much colder there with everything freezing.

“What has made this special is there was superb weather over Scandinavia and Russia which sets off the migration – and then they hit all this fog and mist. They want to drop as soon as they hit land – they are exhausted, wet and miserable.”

He added: “A fall is spectacular when it is happening – you can see birds piling in from the sea and they will actually land at birdwatchers’ feet. They are more intent on feeding and keeping themselves alive and that overcomes their fear of humans.”

On Monday, 37,000 migrant birds were spotted at Spurn.

Goldcrests, the UK’s smallest bird, weighing no more than a £1 coin, were among the arrivals, along with song thrushes, fieldfares, redwings, blackbirds, robins and black redstarts.

The hope is that the birds will find enough food to replenish their fat reserves to carry on with their migration ahead of the Arctic winds due this weekend.