LAND‐AND SEA‐BIRD MIGRATION IN NORTH‐WEST SPAIN, AUTUMN 1954

Abstract

SUMMARY. Between 28 September and 31 October 1954 a visit was paid to N.W. Spain to study the autumn migration and also to collect local information about migrants. Much of the coast between the mouth of the Miño and Santander was visited. We saw arrivals from the north (from across the Bay of Biscay), particularly Meadow Pipits, at Tapia, Ribadesella and Pendueles, but found very little evidence of arrivals in the extreme N.W. corner. Along the north coast we saw a spectacular westward coasting movement, chiefly Chaffinches and Meadow Pipits, and a similar, but smaller, movement southwards down the west coast. According to local information several species, especially Woodcock, Lapwings, thrushes and Starlings, are known chiefly as hard‐weather visitors rather than regular autumn migrants. Sea‐bird movements westwards along the north coast were impressive, especially Scoters, Lesser Black‐backed Gulls and Gannets.