Table of Contents 1.

It’s that time of year again when the rare bird reporting services have quietened a little as fewer migrants come into the country. However, that’s not to say that some of the more unusual species don’t still occasionally appear, including the likes of the Hoopoe and the occasional Bee-eaters. These are almost guaranteed to spark the interest of the UK’s birding community. But with the UK having recently enjoyed a period of record-breaking temperatures for the first half of the year, you have to wonder if we will see a more diverse range of migrants visiting the country in the years to come? After all, the distribution of parakeets would seem to be extending further north from their stronghold in the southeast, so why not others?

We often hear about the losses and declines, and although these continue to happen and worry more and more people, there are a few avian high points. The RSPB has reported that they have seen what they describe as “record-breaking” Nightjar numbers, which they attribute to heathland restoration. The charity says that in 2024, 211 records were recorded. However, the good news is, as always, in short supply with the BTO saying that since 1995, the UK has lost over a third of its cuckoos—a sobering thought, as our visitors are now making their way back to Africa.

Many of the losses can be attributed to our changing climate, but it would seem that it isn’t just mankind’s impact on the weather, habitat and food supplies that is to blame. It would seem that we are a noisy species, and that this too is having an impact on wildlife. In a report undertaken by the University of Leicester into the impact of noise pollution during the breeding season, the UK’s favourite bird, the robin, is a notable example. The study reports that robins, in some areas, are altering their songs in an effort to overcome noise produced by us. As a result, they are being less successful at marking their territories, which in turn is having an impact on breeding success.

Without a doubt, the recent hot weather will have the most immediate impact on wildlife, farmers, and growers, with droughts being observed in many areas and the Met Office predicting a likelihood of more frequent and severe heatwaves in the future. In a recent statement, the Met Office said that we are potentially five years away from breaching the 1.5º threshold for the first time, according to its long-term forecast.

With the attention of many of the world’s governments shifting towards security and finance, environmental issues seem to have fallen out of favour. Therefore, it appears that it falls to us, the general public, to do whatever we can to look after the wildlife in our own areas. Feeding, habitat creation, and the provision of water regardless of the temperature are things that fall within our grasp. If you have read this far, you are likely already aware of this, and I’m sure you are doing what you can to care for nature in your local area. All we have to do now is keep going, as it would seem it has fallen to us to carry out this vital conservation work.