Weatherwatch: UK’s migrant waders feel the effects of a changing Arctic

The Guardian Environment Thursday 18 June 2026, 05:00 UTC By Stephen Moss 1 min read

Key Points

Warmer winters and springs are drying out wetlands and the birds are missing out on an abundance of insects to eatWhen we think of spring migrant birds, it is easy to focus on songbirds such as warblers, flycatchers and swallows. Yet during late spring, many are waders – passing through Britain on their way north to breed in the high Arctic from their winter quarters in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the British Trust for Ornithology’s regular migration blog, it has been a good year for...

Warmer winters and springs are drying out wetlands and the birds are missing out on an abundance of insects to eat

When we think of spring migrant birds, it is easy to focus on songbirds such as warblers, flycatchers and swallows. Yet during late spring, many are waders – passing through Britain on their way north to breed in the high Arctic from their winter quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.

According to the British Trust for Ornithology’s regular migration blog, it has been a good year for waders: including more common species such as ringed and grey plovers, bar-tailed godwit, sanderling and knot.

UK (LOCATION) Arctic Warmer (EVENT) Britain (LOCATION) Arctic (LOCATION) the British Trust for Ornithology’s (ORG)

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Weatherwatch: UK’s migrant waders feel the effects of a changing Arctic

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