Redstart on migration

[moose1991]

Tried this thread in Garden forum and only had one reply.
On 13th October had female Redstart briefly visit our tiny garden.
Would that have been a straggler with little hope of getting to Africa or was she doing OK time wise? As mid October seemed a bit late for Redstart.

[Bluetail]

A bit late, I'd have thought. As for getting to Africa... well... dunno. Cutting it a bit fine, possibly, but probably not out of the question. Normally there are still quite a few House Martins lingering in mid October so insects can be found. If your Redstart can find enough food to get it to southern France it should be able to stop off and refuel there for the Saharan crossing.

[Adey Baker]

I've got an old (1973) copy of BTO Guide 15 'Early and Late Dates for Summer Migrants.'

There are 3 records of birds in December with the two latest being on the 19th (1965, Cork and 1970, Middlesex).

Our latest up here in Leicestershire (from LROS Annual Report, 2002) is November 7th, 1962, at the superbly named village of Willoughby Waterleys (usually pronounced 'Waterless')

[Bluetail]

There are 3 records of birds in December with the two latest being on the 19th (1965, Cork and 1970, Middlesex).

Our latest up here in Leicestershire (from LROS Annual Report, 2002) is November 7th, 1962, at the superbly named village of Willoughby Waterleys (usually pronounced 'Waterless')I'd imagine, though, that at least the December birds weren't migrating. We regularly get a Swallow or two in December in Cornwall, but they're attempting to over-winter. They never succeed; they always disappear before Christmas. The year the Booted Eagle was at Drift one survived into mid January, but that was exceptional. I guess a Redstart could survive if it latched onto a Chiffchaff flock at a marsh or sewage works.

[Gerry Hooper]

I had a female Redstart at this time last year in the Garden, my first thought was that it was an early Black Redstart (they winter here) but it was too pale.
I saw a Male Redstart at Start Point during the last week of October one year, it's so mild at the moment and there's a lot of rain to the south so the stragglers may hang around for a while.

P.s Is that Piglet or Thomas the Tank Engine on your bag Moose?-I thought I was an Expert. My son says it's Thomas coz It's all blue, but I fancy Piglet!

[moose1991]

Gerry, Bad news! Your son is correct.It is THOMAS.
Not that I always use that birdwatching. I actually managed to get out all of last Sunday with my mate and no children.Somehow it wasn't the same.

[Gerry Hooper]

I should listen to my Son more often, Eeyore ways seems to get things right!

[Bluetail]

He Wol do well for himself then.