1. It’s easier in winter!

As trees lose their leaves in the autumn, birds become easier to spot without them being covered by a mass of foliage.

2. Winter visitors – new feathered faces

As the summer comes to end, birds such as swallows and swifts, migrate back to Africa for the winter. Although, it is sad to see these birds disappear from our skies they are soon replaced with some new winter visitors. Redwings and fieldfares are just a couple of birds, both in the thrush family, that come to the UK for the winter.  Keep your eyes open for them feasting on berry-laden bushes or hedgerows.

3. Follow the berries

At this time of years, birds are drawn to trees or bushes that are laded with berries or seeds which will fatten them up ahead of the winter. Find a tree or bush that’s stocked up and take a look to see who is enjoying the snack!

4. Duck, duck, goose

It’s the best time of year to enjoy waterbirds with many ducks and geese species heading to the UK for the winter. Ducks start to form their breeding pairs as early as December, so it’s around this time that male ducks have to look their very best. Head to your nearest park lake or wetland to see some very handsome ducks.

5. Magical murmurations

Starlings are dark birds, smaller than a blackbird, and are present in the country all year long. For most of these year, starlings can be overlooked but it is during the winter months when these birds take part in one of the most magical spectacles of the British wildlife calendar, the starling murmuration. At the end of a cold winter day when the sun is setting, starlings will gather in huge flocks, sometimes hundreds of thousands of them, over their chosen roost. Moving as one giant cloud of wings and feathers, the murmuration is an awe-inspiring must see event!

6. Cosy

Spending a few hours outside all layered up can make getting back inside extra cosy. Whether that’s back home or in front of a cosy a fire to debrief on your day birding!

7. Beat the winter blues 

Seasonal affective disorder, or winter depression, is a persistent low mood that can occur as the days get shorter. Personally, I always struggle this time of year when its dark on your way to work and dark again on your way home. It can be a difficult time for many. Bird watching can be a great way to keep those blues at bay by helping you to get outside, keep moving, get fresh air in the lungs and some sunshine on the skin. Bird watching has been shown to raise the mood and increase happiness. So this autumn, get outside and look at those ducks!

Want to give bird watching a go this autumn?

The easiest way is to just get outside and start noticing birds. Don’t worry if you don’t know the different species, just enjoy them and when you get home see if you can look them up through guide books or online. Make it even easier for yourself and birdwatch without ever leaving the house by feeding the birds in your garden.

Let us know you get on! 

Get in touch at  Communications@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk or @Avonwt on Social media.