Expert: Roger Lederer - 12/29/2006

Question
Thanks for your answer. Aren't nightingales summer visitors to the UK?

Steve
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I live in Northern England. Last night, around midnight, there was a small songbird in a garden tree. It had a very melodic call- starting with a few croaks and rising with a very pretty melody. Being pitch black, I could not see it. Have you any ideas? It was very strange to hear a bird at that time of night. Regards, Steve.
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Steve: Well I can't be positive from your description, but I would guess it is the Nightingale as they sing at night and seem to fit what you said about the song. Roger Lederer at Ornithology.com

Answer
Yes, you are correct. It would be very unusual. However, birds have been changing their ranges due to global warming and some that typically migrate don't migrate as far south or at all. So it is possible.
That said, after further consideration, I searched the web and listened to the Nightingale song, and it could fit your description. But, given that it would be unusual,I listened to another possibility, the Robin. I can't say it fits a pretty melody, but I am changing my answer to that as the Robin sings at night and both male and female hold winter territories. Roger Lederer