Scotland is home to greater than 550 species of birds. But throughout the winter months, our fowl populations swell with the return of hundreds of migratory guests that spend their summers elsewhere, making this a good time to take up birdwatching.
From skies filled with geese honking their arrival from Svalbard and Iceland to the chatter of thrushes, drawn to Scotland from continental Europe on the promise of well-stocked berry bushes, winter brings a number of fowl species to admire.
All these species migrate to Scotland for a similar cause. Wherever they originate from, the situations on their breeding grounds often grow to be unsuitable throughout winter. For instance, the climate could also be too harsh with very low temperatures and frequent snow, or it might merely grow to be tougher to search out sufficient meals to see them by means of.
Scotland, blessed as it’s with a comparatively gentle, maritime local weather, has a number of winter habitats that supply ample meals, reminiscent of our miles of shoreline the place waders can discover invertebrates in uncovered mud at low tide, or the agricultural grasslands so beloved by geese.
It’s not simply the migrant birds which can be value looking for at the moment of yr, however a few of our residents are additionally nonetheless very lively too. Here are simply a few of Scotland’s winter birds and the place and when you may spot them. NatureScot has ranked these by way of problem, from the best (1) to the toughest to identify (10).
- Robin – an iconic and much-loved winter fowl, you’ll discover them in your again backyard or native park, all yr spherical. You may even see rivals chasing one another around the backyard, and even hear males singing to proclaim their patch.
- Blue tit – additionally in your backyard or park all yr spherical, however particularly for those who present some peanuts throughout the winter months.
- Blackbird – will be seen all yr in gardens, parks and anyplace with some shrubby cowl. They particularly like berries and different fruits in winter, so put out that apple that’s been within the fruit bowl a bit too lengthy.
- Fieldfare – this noisy brown-and-grey thrush is often seen in massive flocks, congregating in fields and bushes or shrubs with ample berries. A winter customer.
- Redwing – fairly often seen with fieldfares, so for those who see a flock of thrushes, have a detailed look, and examine which species are current.
- Pink-footed goose – a largely brown goose with, sure, pink ft and a attribute ‘honking’ name, this species is a winter customer and will be seen primarily around the japanese coast of Scotland (although the birds will spend numerous time feeding inland in agricultural habitats). Look out for giant flocks flying overhead early and late within the day as they transfer to and from foraging websites.
- Redshank – though a resident breeder in Scotland, this species is considered one of a number of waders whose numbers enhance over winter as birds from elsewhere come to Scotland. You could also be fortunate sufficient to see this secretive fowl throughout the breeding season, however they wish to nest in tussocky, moist grassland and will not be simple to identify. However, in winter they are often discovered on uncovered mud alongside the shoreline round most of Scotland.
- Whooper swan – not like our resident mute swan, whoopers are solely current in winter, when you may see them on inland waters and close by agricultural land the place they feed.
- Grey partridge – a scarce however widespread fowl of the open countryside, they’re very exhausting to identify when breeding as a result of they keep almost completely in cowl, however in winter – when there may be much less cowl round – you might even see the coveys, typically of round 20 birds for those who’re fortunate, feeding in stubble fields. And no, they don’t significantly like pear bushes!
- Waxwing – one of the lovely birds you’ll encounter in Scotland, this uncommon customer is most frequently present in japanese Scotland in comparatively small numbers, although often extra can arrive if they’re pushed right here by sturdy easterly winds and poor situations on the continent. Fortunately, their love of berries means they’ll usually be seen in parks and gardens, so maintain your eyes open!
NatureScot Ornithologist Dave Parish stated: “Winter is a superb time for birdwatching, particularly for those who’re new to it. Many bushes and hedges can have dropped their foliage, making it a lot simpler to identify birds among the many naked branches. Bird watching is a simple, low-cost exercise that anybody can strive, and also you could be stunned by the number of birds you may spot in your backyard or native park.
“You can incorporate birdwatching right into a every day walk, giving your bodily and psychological well being a lift, or you may spend a day immersing your self in nature at a neighborhood or nationwide nature reserve whereas looking for a few of our extra elusive winter guests. It’s a really stress-free exercise, which lets you change off from among the pressures and busy-ness that may include the festive season.
“As properly as watching birds for enjoyable, you may also participate in fowl monitoring actions, which is a good way for individuals to get entangled in fowl analysis. For instance, RSPB run the ‘Big Garden Birdwatch’ which inspires anybody to spend a brief interval recording what they see within the backyard, and GWCT runs an identical scheme (the ‘Big Farmland Bird Count’) for these with access to a little bit of farmland.
“The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) also organise a variety of surveys that people can take part in during both summer and winter, and in a variety of habitats. There’s something for everyone!”
