House Martin survey 2009

It has been a mixed year for our House Martins. In some areas birds arrived back at their nest sites early, in a few cases during the first week of April, with nest building beginning immediately.

There have been two distinct arrivals of birds this year. Birds that left Africa early had the weather on their side and seemed to have little trouble getting here, good numbers were reported passing south coast watchpoints during the first week of April and by the second week a pair were reported nest building as far north as Scotland. This didn’t last and the main arrival of birds from mid-April to mid-May were held up by bad weather in southern Europe. With an improvement in the weather the second wave of birds started to arrive, and, during the last week in May this coincided with a big movement of Painted Lady butterflies also from southern Europe.

The House Martin survey is just one of a number of surveys that the BTO organises. We are an independent research charity dedicated to producing unbiased scientific information about the state of wild bird populations. We make a direct and vital contribution to bird conservation by enabling both campaigners and decision-makers to set priorities and target resources.By becoming a BTO member you can support our work whilst enjoying the benefits that membership offers. Join the BTO today. You can also support us by contributing information about the birds you see to one of our surveys.

Take a look at the results of the House Martin survey 2009 here.

See how House Martins fared last year.