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Ok, so summer’s definitely done now, and a lot of our favourite birds have already left for Africa, or will be on their way very soon. SOB.
But fret not. They’ll be replaced by some equally gorgeous and fascinating winter visitors. HURRAH.
So in a probably doomed attempt to stop everyone from being absolutely foul to each other, there now follows a thread of some of the birds you can expect to see in Britain this autumn and winter. #WinterBirds
Pink-footed goose
They come here from the north in hordes, roosting on coastal mudflats & moving inland to feed in daytime. Large skeins fly high & straggly, calling. The sight of a flock rising from the mud at dawn on a cold winter morning is worth a special visit.
They come here from the north in hordes, roosting on coastal mudflats & moving inland to feed in daytime. Large skeins fly high & straggly, calling. The sight of a flock rising from the mud at dawn on a cold winter morning is worth a special visit.
Wigeon
These fetching pastel-shaded dabblers breed in small numbers here, but they mostly arrive in autumn. You’ll find them on coastal estuaries, mudflats, gravel pits & suchlike. Flocks can be spectacular. Listen out for their pinging wee-oo call.
These fetching pastel-shaded dabblers breed in small numbers here, but they mostly arrive in autumn. You’ll find them on coastal estuaries, mudflats, gravel pits & suchlike. Flocks can be spectacular. Listen out for their pinging wee-oo call.
Knot
These small waders are cute as all get out as individuals, but really it's their extraordinary high tide flying displays that catch the imagination. The RSPB reserve at Snettisham in north Norfolk is particularly known for them. 📷J J Harrison
These small waders are cute as all get out as individuals, but really it's their extraordinary high tide flying displays that catch the imagination. The RSPB reserve at Snettisham in north Norfolk is particularly known for them. 📷J J Harrison
Redwing
These small thrushes are the best. They love berries (especially hawthorn) and if you’re lucky they'll come to your garden for windfall apples. Listen for their high-pitched ’tseep’ call overhead and look for roving flocks feeding in your local park.
These small thrushes are the best. They love berries (especially hawthorn) and if you’re lucky they'll come to your garden for windfall apples. Listen for their high-pitched ’tseep’ call overhead and look for roving flocks feeding in your local park.
Fieldfare
Where there are redwings, you might find fieldfares. They’re bigger than their cousins, & their colouring is more on the ochre/chestnut/grey side. Quite rough-and-tumble – their chattering call isn’t a thing of beauty, but distinctive. 📷 Kahvilokki.
Where there are redwings, you might find fieldfares. They’re bigger than their cousins, & their colouring is more on the ochre/chestnut/grey side. Quite rough-and-tumble – their chattering call isn’t a thing of beauty, but distinctive. 📷 Kahvilokki.
Waxwing
Waxwings – buff plumage, punky crest, yellow flashes on tail & wings – are ACE. Some years they come in huge numbers from Scandinavia, looking for berries. Rowan's a favourite, so look in your Lidl car park come November. 📷Algirdas commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Algi…
Waxwings – buff plumage, punky crest, yellow flashes on tail & wings – are ACE. Some years they come in huge numbers from Scandinavia, looking for berries. Rowan's a favourite, so look in your Lidl car park come November. 📷Algirdas commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Algi…
Hawfinch
Another big irrupter, these groovy finches have the biggest beaks around and can exert enough pressure with them to crack a cherry stone. Coming to a mature broadleaf wood near you soon, with any luck. 📷 Martin Mecnarowski photomecan.eu
Another big irrupter, these groovy finches have the biggest beaks around and can exert enough pressure with them to crack a cherry stone. Coming to a mature broadleaf wood near you soon, with any luck. 📷 Martin Mecnarowski photomecan.eu
Starling
The most famous of the large-gathering birds. If you’ve never seen a starling murmuration, make it a priority this winter. Breathaking. The best-known are probably on the Somerset Levels, but there are plenty of others. A short list here. wildlifetrusts.org/where_to_see_s…
The most famous of the large-gathering birds. If you’ve never seen a starling murmuration, make it a priority this winter. Breathaking. The best-known are probably on the Somerset Levels, but there are plenty of others. A short list here. wildlifetrusts.org/where_to_see_s…
There are plenty more winter visitors worth seeking out. I know autumn and winter can be dodgy times for some people, what with the lack of light and everything. But I've unfailingly found a birding expedition lifts my mood, even on the darkest, coldest days. Don't forget gloves.
