Spotted Flycatcher, why so late? (1 Viewer)

always look forward to Spotted Fly's returning to nest here but always the last migrants to return, is often well into May before I start seeing them regularly, last year they were exceptionally late and had almost given up on them.

found some info on their migration pattern but just wondered if there is any known reason why they arrive back so late??

Yes, they are one of the last migrants to arrive. I've always wondered why too. I assume it's something to do with the availability of the particular insects they eat (whatever they are), but I'm only guessing.

assume Pied Fly's have a very similar diet, dont they arrive much earlier?

have seen reports of Pieds on Birdguides already but suspect a Spotted now would be very unusual, dont think I've ever seen one here in April, last year it was into June before I started seeing pairs.

food would be the logical one, but it still seems very late considering how early some insect eaters come back.....

Spott flys have been getting gradually later in Notts in the last few years. To be specific, their general arrival is later although their average first date remains unchanged at around first week of May.