With the evenings drawing in and the temperature decreasing, the last couple of weeks have had a distinctly autumnal feel about them. These gradual changes in the environment are a message to our wildlife to begin preparing for winter. For some species, this involves departing our shores and heading for warmer climates. At prominent coastal headlands such as Portland Bill (Dorset), Spurn (Yorkshire) and Blakeney Point (Norfolk), thousands of our summer visiting birds can be seen leaving the country, beginning their 12,000 km migration to sub-Saharan Africa. As these warmth-loving birds depart our shores, the winter shift arrives, streaming into the country from Northern Europe. These Northern species winter in the UK for its mild climate. It might not seem that mild to us, but these birds breed in the Arctic, so the UK is a relatively warm place to spend the winter months compared to remaining on their breeding grounds. Our coastal wetlands in particular are internationally important for wintering waterfowl and wading shorebirds, and nature reserves such as Snettisham (Norfolk), Arne (Dorset) and Caerlaverock (Dumfries) offer exciting opportunities to see these birds in action. Be sure to check the tide timetable before heading there, as the birds can be a long way away if the tide is out!
During the winter months, animals tend to come together into larger groups than they do during the summer. Last week, for example, 36,000 Pink-footed Geese arrived at Martin Mere nature reserve (Lancashire) – a true marvel of sight, and sound! At key sites around the UK such as the Somerset Levels, Starlings now begin to congregate into massive groups known as murmurations. These huge gatherings, containing up to a million individuals, swarm over their evening roost sites providing a spectacular natural display. The true function behind these murmurations is not fully understood, and researchers are keen to understand more about how the birds avoid colliding into each other when travelling at such high speeds. You may have noticed the number of birds visiting your garden increasing recently and as autumn progresses, now is the time to start feeding the garden birds! You might think the birds you regularly see in your garden are the same individuals throughout the year, but many of our garden bird species actually cross the channel and move south during the winter, and are replaced by birds visiting from the north.
By Dr Steve Portugal.
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