We bring you our guide to seeking out some wonderful spots to observe birdlife in the UK all year round.
Any time of year can be the best time to birdwatch in the UK. The bird population is on a constant shuffle, an annual dance as they arrive, depart, or pass through whilst other breeds are seeking to remain. Some birds stay all year as the conditions are right, and others emigrate to warmer climes in the colder months, whilst we receive wintering guests from further north.
At least 4,000 species of bird are regular migrants. That’s about 40 per cent of the world’s total, so they are very much a part of the natural cycle of seasons. In far northern regions, such as Canada or Scandinavia, most species migrate south to escape winter. In the UK, about half the species migrate because the quest for food is universal.
As the world of birds is so vast, with species still being discovered today by scientists, we haven’t put together an exhaustive guide of birds to spot. However, we’ve put together a list of locations to visit to best see some brilliant feats of nature and when and where to go to try and catch them. If you're feeling really adventurous, you can stake some out at one of our top cottages for birdwatching!
Clouds of starlings - Bideford, Devon
October - January
Starling murmurations have long given scientists reasons to scratch their heads, figuring out the reasons for their immaculately coordinated flight formations. Whilst they do the sums, the rest of us can stop and marvel at this visually affecting phenomenon whenever we see an occurrence.
Whilst many formations happen in the countryside, with ever-changing locations, you can pretty much set your watch by one particular flock that we know of. Right outside our old headquarters in Bideford, is the Long Bridge which spans the River Torridge. There’s been a bridge here since the last quarter of the 13th century. However, the current stone bridge (with obvious modifications) was first completed in 1500. Every year between Mid-October and early January, a flock of starlings come to roost under the 24 arches of the bridge.
From about 4pm until nightfall they weave a dwindling pattern. For locals, they are commonplace and rumoured to have been returning to the same spot annually for as long as there’s been a bridge. Time it right and you can see thousands of birds taking part in one of the most dazzling displays of bird activity around. Even if you miss the show, you can hear the birds singing under the arches over the traffic, plus there’s always tomorrow to try and catch the spectacle too.
Stay nearby: The Cabin - Torridge View | Sleeps: 4 guests plus 2 dogs
Montagu's harriers at Blacktoft Sands, East Yorkshire
May - August
There are only seven breeding pairs of Montagu’s harriers in the UK. They only spend four months per year here, but one place that you can see them is at the RSPB’s Blacktoft Sands during the summer months.
For the remainder of the year when they are not settled in their Yorkshire home, this rare breed spends winters on the African continent or on migration. Bird enthusiasts travel from all around the world to catch a glimpse of this elegant bird of prey.
Stay nearby: Seakisses | Sleeps: 4 guests plus 2 dogs
Wintering birds at Ynis-hir Reserve
September - October
Every year, thousands upon millions of birds winter in the British Isles. A great place to witness the arrival and activity of these visitors is at Ynis-hir at the estuary of the Dyfi River in Mid Wales. RSPB Ynis-hir covers 550 hectares and includes a variety of habitats extending inland, from mudflats and salt marsh to oak woodland and hillside scrub.
Feathered visitors include shelduck, wigeon and teal, and waders such as oystercatcher and curlew – also fieldfares, redwings, bramblings, Bewick’s and whooper swans and geese. There are smaller numbers of Greenland white-fronted goose and, in recent years, barnacle geese have been seen too.
The seven hides are well-placed to witness the graceful landings when the flocks come back. The reserve once employed Bill Condry who is famous for his nature books and for playing a big part in the preservation of the red kite. Ynis-hir certainly has some good remote viewing areas and optimal conditions to witness some natural spectacles. In September and October watch the skies for skeins of large water birds coming back to the UK; wrap up well and take a flask of hot tea!
Stay nearby: Mawr Well Cottage | Sleeps: 4 guests + 2 dogs
The return of red kites in the Chilterns
All year round
One of the greatest RSPB and English Nature success stories is the reintroduction of the red kite to the Chilterns. By the end of the 19th century, they had dwindled to just a handful of breeding pairs in Wales. Nowadays, they are thriving due to the programme and there are over 300 pairs which are a welcome and a common sight of the region.
For those that have never seen a red kite, they are majestic birds of prey with dark orange (russet) plumage and a large wing span of about 5.5 feet wide. Once you’ve seen one you’ll never forget the experience. Red Kites are sedentary so if you’re in the Chilterns anywhere between Dunstable Downs and Goring-On-Thames, keep your eyes peeled. The Chilterns Hills is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) stretching across four counties: Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
Stay nearby: Woodlands House | Sleeps: 12 guests plus 2 dogs
RSPB Nature Reserves in the UK
We wholeheartedly recommend a visit to your local RSPB nature reserve. There are many all across England, Scotland and Wales that you can visit at any time of year. When you plan your next holiday, check where your closest bird reserve is.
From the tip of Cornwall to the Highlands of Scotland, you will find reserves with hides and bird-friendly habitats to observe their feathered residents and visitors. The RSPB website is home to some very useful birdwatching blogs and wildlife guides offering hints and tips for beginners, as well as keeping seasoned twitchers abreast of recent sightings and arrivals across the country.
Plan a birdwatching break
If you're tempted by any of the locations featured in this article, or perhaps have a birdwatching bucket list of destinations waiting to be explored, why not book a stay in one of our holiday cottages nearby? Enjoy spending time outdoors come rain or shine, and return to the comfort of your chosen holiday home for restful and relaxing evenings - the recipe for the perfect holiday!
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