LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE - SUFFOLK'S RARE CLIFF SWALLOW

                                                             

A last breather in Britain before these young swallows make their first flight to Africa

                                            
IT'S the second half of November but a few summer migrants are still being reported in Britain.

For instance, no fewer than eight swallows were noted at RSPB Minsmere in Suffolk along with a sand martin and a "mega-rare" cliff swallow - the 10th record for the UK - which was way off its traditional route between North and South America.

The sighting received prominent coverage in the East Anglian Daily Times.

There have also been a few ring ousels lingering in various parts of the country.

With forecasters predicting westerly winds originating from north-eastern Canada, it's fingers crossed for visits from rarities such as yellow-rumped or blackpoll warbler over the next fortnight or so.

These sometimes turn up on remote headland in Ireland  or western Scottish isles, though even less often on mainland Britain.

                                               

The cliff swallow - this bird was pictured in California (photo: DonDeBold/Flickr/ via Wikimedia Commons)

 

Author	Don DeBold