Swans Migration Ahead of Schedule in Sakhalin

YUZHNO-SAKHALINSK. October 19. VOSTOK-MEDIA – The autumn flight of wild migratory birds over Sakhalin and Kuril Islands has started earlier then usual this year.

According to the Head of the Department of forest and specially-protected nature territories of Sakhalin Region Andrey Zdorikov, the mass migration of Eurasian Oystercatcher has begun on August 10 and ended on October 10-11. And the end of September saw Sakhalin river ducks take off from their roosts. The migration of the birds to Japanese Islands will be completed by the end of October.

According to Andrey Zdorikov, the low temperatures in northern latitudes have urged the birds to abandon their nests and fly off two weeks earlier then usual. Incidentally, the flights of White-fronted geese and Bean geese were noticed as early as September 4-5. In the northern regions one may see an occasional diving-duck here and there, but given the favorable wind pattern one can expect them to join the rest in the south Sakhalin and the Khabomai Rocks in the near future, Sakhalin Kurily news agency reports.

The migrations of two species of swans – Whooper and Tundra swan – may indicate that winter came earlier then expected. Whooper and Tundra swan are listed in the Red Book of Sakhalin Region. At present the birds are at Aniva Bay. On November 7 they are expected to fly over the southern part of Sakhalin. Last year the flight occurred on November 26.

“This autumn, there are quick and sudden temperature falls. In Okha, for example, the first snow has already fallen. Migrating birds just respond appropriately to the weather changes and ontinue their migration,” – added the expert.