Migratory birds, particularly those wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, are struggling with the impacts of Climate change. The shift towards earlier springs is disrupting their breeding cycles. When these long-distance travelers, such as the wood warbler, the redstart, and the pied flycatcher, arrive in British oakwoods between mid-April and early May, they find that spring is nearly over and the oak moth caterpillars they rely on to feed their chicks have already pupated, leaving the chicks to starve.
This year, however, has presented the opposite problem. Spring 2024 has been unusually wet and cool, delaying the birds’ arrival in western Britain. Those that have made it are facing unseasonably chilly weather, complicating their search for food and delaying nesting.
This scenario illustrates a key aspect of the climate crisis: it not only shifts weather patterns over the long term but also increases unpredictability. Springs can vary dramatically from one year to the next, from hot and dry to cold and wet. While humans can find ways to adapt, wild creatures like these birds have no such defenses against the erratic changes caused by Climate change.

Earthlings For Life Tee by Tiny Rescue: Climate Collection
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