HOOPOE INFLUX

The Hoopoe influx began in mid-March, with as many as 80 birds reported between the 17th and 23rd. By the final week of the month, numbers continued to rise, with at least 31 sightings in Cornwall and 27 in Ireland.

Hoopoe reports 17th-to 31st March

From Monday, March 31, strong easterly winds gradually shifted to the southeast, seemingly prompting further arrivals. By April 2, at least 25 Hoopoes had been recorded in County Cork by lunchtime alone. By the end of the first week of April, the influx had reached astonishing proportions: fresh arrivals were reported from no fewer than 130 sites, stretching as far north as Caithness and the Outer Hebrides, while Cornwall and southern Ireland continued to see rising numbers. One particularly memorable bird even landed on the Scillonian III, en route between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

After following the news of these sightings with keen anticipation, I finally had my chance. While driving down to Birmingham, word came through that a Hoopoe had been found in some horse paddocks near Halesowen Riding School. I soon arrived and was rewarded with a close view of the striking bird.

Always a delight to see, this was particularly special as it marked the first twitchable Hoopoe in the West Midlands since 2010.