Spectacular Coal Tit irruption reaches Britain

A major irruption of Continental Coal Tits is underway across northern and western Europe, with multiple migration watchpoints recording bumper numbers.

At Hanko Bird Observatory, at the southern tip of Finland, a remarkable 69,000 were counted on Sunday 1 October, smashing the previous observatory record of 9,600. Further large counts in Finland this autumn include 7,420 through Vuosnainen over 21-22 September and 2,800 at Santahamina on 25 September. In Estonia, a count of 3,400 was made at Sorve Lighthouse on 27 September.

A Continental Coal Tit on Fair Isle, Shetland (Georgia Platt).

The first two individuals recorded in Britain reached East Halton, Lincolnshire, on 14th, while a mass arrival across Shetland since 19th totalled an amazing 104 birds, including no fewer than 14 on Fair Isle. In Orkney, four were on North Ronaldsay, with two more on Mainland. In mainland Britain, meanwhile, further birds were at South Shields, Durham, and Flamborough, East Yorkshire (three).

'Continental' Coal Tits are of the nominate subspecies ater. They differ from British-breeding britannicus by their blue-grey mantles, lacking the olive tones of British birds.