On the lookout for migrant birds

By Jonathan Cooper, Project Officer, WSBRC

We have put together a helpful guide to some of the birds that join us for the winter and where to find them.

The spectacle of bird migration has fascinated people for centuries. Each year, millions of birds undertake astounding journeys to reach their breeding grounds and wintering sites. Often when we think of migratory birds, our minds are drawn to summer migrants such as cuckoos or swallows, which take advantage of our long summer days to breed. But as the nights draw in and the days turn colder, a whole raft of species join us for the winter.

Some of these migrants are species which are only seen here during the colder months. For others, Wiltshire’s breeding populations are swelled by birds escaping harsher conditions further north and east. Now is a great time to put on your coat and see some of these amazing birds.

Lapwing (vanellus vanellus)

Photo: Lapwing, Gary Mantle

The lapwing has declined dramatically as a breeding species in Wiltshire. However, thousands arrive in winter from as far away as Eastern Europe & Russia. Flocks can be seen feeding in ploughed fields or on wetlands. Langford Lakes nature reserve in the south of the county is a great place to look for these stunning birds.

Lesser redpoll (acanthis cabaret)

Photo: Lesser Redpoll, Bob Coyle

This charming finch can be found in woodlands or near water during the winter. Poor seed crops can lead to ‘irruptions’ with large numbers moving further south than normal searching for food. You may catch a glimpse of these elusive birds at our woodland nature reserves such as Ravensroost Wood and Clouts Wood.

Redwing (turdus iliacus)

Photo: Redwing, Jon Hawkins

Stand outside on a clear autumn night and you might hear the gentle ‘tseep’ calls of migrating redwing overhead. Coming to us from Scandinavia and arriving in late October, redwing form flocks feasting on berries and fruit. Blakehill Farm nature reserve is a great place to go to try to spot them.

Goldcrest (regulus regulus)

Photo: Goldcrest, Gary Mantle

Despite being the UK’s smallest bird, weighing in at five grams, goldcrests migrate hundreds of miles across the North Sea and join our resident breeding population for the winter. The goldcrest is widespread during the winter months, often being seen in woodlands, parks and gardens. A visit to Green Lane Wood, Biss Wood or Oyster’s Coppice may involve an encounter with these diminutive birds.

Goldeneye (bucephala clangula)

Photo: Goldeneye Female, Andy Morffew

Header photo: Goldeneye Male, Fergus Gill

The beautiful goldeneye spends the summer in Scandinavia and Russia, with some pairs breeding in Scotland. Unusually for a duck, they nest in holes in trees. Small numbers spend the winter on the lakes of Wiltshire. Sites around the Cotswold Water Park such as Lower Moor nature reserve are the best places to try to spot them. The males and females look different, but both have the piercing golden eye that gives the species its name.

Why not get out and try to spot these and many of our other winter visitors. Our network of over 40 reserves across the county are a great place to start. To find out more about our nature reserves and how to record your wildlife sightings, visit: www.wiltshirewildlife.org.