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

<p>Sabine’s gulls and phalaropes among species that found themselves venturing unexpectedly close to land</p><p>A 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.</p><p>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.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/oct/16/weatherwatch-autumn-gales-divert-migrating-birds-to-uk-birders-delight">Continue reading...</a>