Weatherwatch: autumn gales divert migrating birds, to UK birders' delight

Sabine's gulls and phalaropes among species that found themselves venturing unexpectedly close to landA warm, dry year, followed by what feels like a final hurrah of summer as September gives way to October, has become the norm in recent years, at least where I live in Somerset. That's usually good news for migrating birds, as they can head south safely, without the risk of sudden storms derailing their journey.But autumn can still have a bite, weather-wise. Strong westerly gales during late August and the first two weeks of September meant that several pelagic seabirds - those that usually spend the autumn and winter months well out to sea - found themselves venturing unexpectedly close to land. Continue reading...