The incredible journey
The willow warbler is one of our smallest birds. It weighs no more than a box of matches and would fit snugly into the palm of your hand. Yet this delicate little creature performs an amazing feat of strength and endurance. Each year it flies all the way to the UK from Africa, travelling over 8,000 kilometres (5,000 miles) across seas, mountains and desert to arrive in time for spring. And, as if that’s not enough, in autumn it flies all the way back again. The willow warbler is not alone in making this incredible journey. Many different birds, from swallows to ospreys, fly to the UK from Africa each year. Many others visit us in winter from colder northern regions, or briefly stop off here as they pass through. All over the world, every year, millions of birds are on the move. This movement is called migration, and it is one of the greatest wonders of the animal world. |
