Migration Magic in October: Celebrating World Migratory Bird Day at Glade Trust
- Anton Foreman
- Oct 11
- 3 min read
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), celebrated globally in both May and October, serves as a vital reminder that the birds we cherish are global travellers depending on a critical network of safe havens. Our very own Glade Trust Nature Reserve near Kirkby Fleetham, Northallerton, is a crucial anchor point on this vast international flyway.
The reserve’s strategic ecological mosaic—composed of an ancient Sessile Oak Woodland, an insect-rich Wildflower Meadow, and a tranquil Orchard —makes it an indispensable refuelling station for birds moving between breeding and wintering grounds.
The Autumnal Bird Parade in North Yorkshire
October marks a dynamic turnover as summer visitors depart and winter reinforcements arrive. Look to the skies and the hedgerows this month for these featured travellers:
Chiffchaffs: These summer residents, known for their distinctive calls, are still passing through the reserve well into October, utilizing the sheltered scrub and woodland edges for a final rest before continuing their southbound journey .
Goldcrests: The smallest bird in the UK, the Goldcrest, is a permanent resident, but their local numbers swell dramatically in autumn with the arrival of immigrants from Scandinavia. Exhausted from their North Sea crossing, these tiny birds seek refuge and recovery in the dense, protected canopies of Glade Trust’s ancient woodland .
Blackcaps: This species offers a fascinating glimpse of evolution in action. While our local Blackcaps migrate south, we are increasingly hosting wintering Blackcaps that originate from Central Europe. This shift—partially driven by the reliable food sources provided by people—highlights how human interaction can rapidly alter migratory routes.
Keep an ear out for the distinctive calls of other winter visitors, including the Redwing and the Brambling, an orange-tinged finch that arrives from Fennoscandia, often concealed among flocks of resident birds.
A Lesson in Resilience: The Barn Swallow
While the Barn Swallow, a summer favourite, has typically departed North Yorkshire by October, its lifecycle underscores why habitats like Glade Trust are so vital. The Swallow is the world's most abundant and widely distributed swallow species, largely due to its successful adaptation to nesting on human-made structures, such as barns and bridges .
As an obligate aerial insectivore, the Swallow's entire success—from migration to the demanding work of raising young—is tied directly to insect abundance . The rich insect life supported by the reserve’s Wildflower Meadow is critical fuel for their demanding lifecycle.
Furthermore, this species practices facultative cooperative breeding . It’s not uncommon to observe older siblings from the first brood remaining at the nest to help their parents feed and care for the second brood . This sophisticated social behavior, driven by kin selection, shows that the survival of the species relies on both genetic connection and, fundamentally, a secure, resource-rich habitat .
How You Can Be a Global Partner
The global conservation journey begins here in North Yorkshire. To support migratory birds using the flyway, we encourage three simple actions:
Plant Native Species: Directly support WMBD's mission by planting native shrubs and flowers in your community. These plants provide essential food (berries and nectar) and, crucially, attract the native insects that fuel migrants like the Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
Turn Off the Lights: Participate in the "Lights Out" initiative. Artificial light pollution disorients nocturnal migrants, leading to collisions. Turn off all non-essential outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to sunrise during peak migration seasons.
Become a Citizen Scientist: Use tracking tools like eBird or the Merlin Bird ID app to record your sightings of passing birds. Every observation from Glade Trust contributes to the global dataset used by researchers to monitor populations and identify conservation priorities.
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