BEAUTIFUL WILDLIFE BIRDS TO SPOT THIS WINTER
From the streetwise crow to the colorful goldfinch, the co-founder of Flock Together reveals the birds he loves to look out for in winter
As a co-founder of Flock Together, London-based birdwatching collective for people of color that organizes walks across the south of England all year round, the question I am asked most often is: “Are there even any birds in winter?” #|| Beautiful Wildlife birds to spot this winter ||
It’s fair enough. Birdsong declines sharply in winter, as birds do not need to attract mates outside the breeding season; many summer visitors will have left, and there is less need to mark territory, so there is more space. However, birds wintering here are frantically looking for food. This, along with leafless winter trees, means plenty of opportunities for good sightings, wherever you are. #|| Beautiful Wildlife birds to spot this winter ||
Here are some of my favorite birds to watch in winter. Some are in the UK year-round, others migrate in for the season, and the good news is that they are all widespread in the UK — even if you live in a city, you shouldn’t have to go far to see them. #||Beautiful Wildlife birds to spot this winter ||
Carrion crow
Absolutely all over
My favorite bird to watch! Gangs of these glossy all-black birds rule the streets. Living in numbers helps them ward off competitors and establish strongholds. An “everyday” bird? Yes. Unimpressive? Absolutely not.
Wren
Woodland, hedgerows, and gardens
This tiny brown bird can be identified by its cocked-up tail. They often hide under thick hedges, singing their loud, melodic song. I like to spot them in Hackney Marshes but they can be seen everywhere.
Grey heron
Near bodies of water
Grey herons exude a pterodactyl-like energy in-flight — especially when they let out their loud squawks. Standing by water, hunting for amphibians and fish, they can sometimes be so still that you question whether you’re looking at a statue. We once received a video of one spinning a rat by its tail.
Long-tailed tit
Woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens
These crazy cute, pink, black, and white birds are so tiny that you might miss them — but their long tails make them easy to recognize. They are hardly ever seen alone and flocks will hop from one garden to the next, looking for hanging feeders.
Short-eared owl
Coastal marshlands, fields, and wetlands
These owls hunt by day, so you might spot them flying low above the open ground. Lots arrive from Scandinavia and show themselves for the winter year after year. I like to watch them at the RSPB Rainham Marshes reserve in Essex, but they can be seen in suitable habitats from Scotland to Cornwall.
Redwing
Parks, gardens, and fields
Atrue winter bird of the UK, this is a type of thrush distinguished by a red patch under its wings and an eyestripe. Thousands arrive in the UK from colder climates in late October. They feed mainly on berries and worms. The ones on my balcony came for the sliced oranges and apples I left out.
Kestrel
Parks, moors, and fields
This falcon can be seen above any open grassland where there are nearby woods. Spot them hovering as they scan the ground for prey.
Jay
Woods, parks, and gardens
Another favorite of mine, these colorful smaller crows are famous for burying acorns to eat during winter — forgotten acorns can sprout into trees.
Goldfinch
Parks, gardens, heathland, fields, and hedgerows
Easily identifiable with its yellow wing-flash and red, black, and white head, this small bird is often seen on TV aerials and buildings under three stories. We spotted them at our first Flock Together Academy for underprivileged kids — they were a big hit.
Buzzard
Rural habitats mostly but can sometimes be seen over green spaces in cities
This majestic, mostly brown bird of prey is usually seen soaring high above open land. We were lucky enough to see one on a Flock Together walk: when it displayed its impressive wingspan and wedge-shaped tail, everybody gasped!
Rural habitats mostly but can sometimes be seen over green spaces in cities
This majestic, mostly brown bird of prey is usually seen soaring high above open land. We were lucky enough to see one on a Flock Together walk: when it displayed its impressive wingspan and wedge-shaped tail, everybody gasped! || Beautiful Wildlife birds to spot this winter ||
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