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Autumn's Avian Exodus: Tracking the Remarkable Migratory Movements
15 Oct
Summary
- Millions of birds migrate southward in autumn, a phenomenon known as "vismig"
- Birdwatcher visits Hampstead Heath to witness the migration but sees only a few birds
- Swallows, pipits, thrushes, and finches are among the species making the long journeys
On October 15th, 2025, a birdwatcher in Hampstead, London, sets out to witness the remarkable autumn phenomenon known as "vismig" - the visible migration of millions of birds. As the seasons change, summer visitors depart southward, and winter arrivals come in from the north, creating a remarkable population shift.
The birdwatcher has been monitoring the autumn forecast, anticipating the signs of the changing seasons - mushrooms, conkers, and the crunching of acorns underfoot. With the passing of Storm Amy and rising air pressure, the conditions seem ripe for a good "vismig" sighting.
Arriving at Hampstead Heath, the birdwatcher scans the skies, hoping to catch a glimpse of the avian exodus. Species like swallows, pipits, thrushes, and finches are making their long journeys, with some flying by night and others during the day. However, on this particular morning, the birdwatcher is disappointed, seeing only a few specks in the distance that could be meadow pipits or sand martins.
