Thousands of migrating birds arrive on coast

The Yorkshire coast is currently witnessing the return of thousands of migratory birds, with over 100 reed warblers and the first cuckoo sighting on 8 May. This is part of the East Atlantic Flyway, one of the world's eight 'bird superhighways. ' The RSPB has drawn attention to this natural phenomenon as part of World Migratory Bird Day. These migratory birds travel from southern Europe and Africa to the Yorkshire coast in the spring, where they feed on the rich wetlands, reed beds, and mudflats before breeding or continuing their journey further north. The World Migratory Bird Day campaign emphasizes the need for conservation measures to protect insects, which are a vital food source for the returning birds. Over thirty different species of birds, including ringed plovers and cuckoos, are expected to arrive in May and June. Both of these species are among the UK's birds of the highest conservation concern.