Early birds are seen in Scilly

Spring has come early for the islands. While the rest of the country is battling with floods and frost the islands are seeing signs that spring is on its way.

Swallows and house martins have already been spotted on the islands. On the 8th February three swallows were spotted in Old Town Bay on St Mary’s. This is very early and was close to setting a record for Britain this year after one in Somerset the day before.

Usually they don’t start to appear until April.

The islands’ first House Martin was on the 6th Feb also at Old Town Bay. These birds arrive, at the earlist, the beginning of March but with the mild wheather they are already starting to move north. In the next few days we are expecting more migrants to visit Scilly. Withthem there could be a Hoopoe as these are early overshoots from Europe.

If anyone is lucky enough to see a Hoopoe or anything of interest can they please contact the Isles of Scilly Bird Group on: 07733343179 or 01720 422894.