Summering species
Most summer migrants start arriving in Wales half way through April onwards, having spent their winter in sunnier climes of Africa.
Time is of the essence. Not only must they breed but they must have time to put on weight ready for the return migration which may begin in August. These summer migrants may be affected by climate change in more than one way.
Warmer summer temperatures should in theory improve food supplies and therefore breeding performance. On the other hand drier summers may reduce insect availability and therefore might have a negative effect on populations.
|
|
Change 1994-2005 |
|
Cuckoo |
-32 % |
|
Swift |
-26% |
|
Tree Pipit |
-29 % |
|
Wheatear |
-10 % |
|
Garden Warbler |
-37 % |
|
Whitethroat |
-17 % |
|
Swallow |
72 % |
|
House Martin |
76 % |
|
Redstart |
7 % |
|
Blackcap |
76 % |
|
Chiffchaff |
26 % |
|
Willow Warbler |
-27 % |
|
|
|
Many species populations are changing, as shown in the table above, of Percentage Population change in Wales, during the period 1994 – 2005. Unfortunately there appears to be more migratory species on the decline than on the increase. It may be that they are struggling to adapt to the drier and warmer summers in Wales.
