February Wildlife Watch article 2026
February may feel like the quietest month of the year, but look a little closer and nature is already stirring. As winter begins to loosen its grip, subtle signs of the coming spring start to appear across our landscapes – from early blossoms and budding trees to birdsong returning to the mornings.
Our senses will be in tune with signs that spring is on the way. Birdsong and the sounds of garden birds calling during mating season will increase as we see almost an extra three hours of daylight compared to January. The orchestra of robins, nuthatches, blackbirds and many other garden birds is a beautiful reminder of warmer and sunnier times ahead. If you get the chance, take a walk in your nearest Local Nature Reserve or park and immerse yourself in the birdsong around you. It can be a calming and grounding experience that can reduce stress and reconnect you with your natural surroundings.
Woods and hedgerows are the perfect environment for primroses to start their emergence. Primrose’s common name comes from the Latin ‘prima rosa’ which translates to ‘first rose’, describing them as one of the first to bloom. These flowers are most often pale yellow with a deeper yellow centre, bringing a bright and cheerful sight to the remaining winter month. Primroses are more important than the yellow hues they bring, they are also a vital nectar source for butterflies and bees who will also be venturing out in February to search for food.
One species that will be seeking nectar from the early flowering plants is the small tortoiseshell butterfly. Small tortoiseshell butterflies are one of the iconic British species that experience overwintering as adults. Overwintering is a form of hibernation, whereby butterflies remain motionless in hidden locations, normally dark and dry places they can shelter from the winter weather. As February brings some warmer days and steady temperature increase, these species may emerge and explore green spaces searching for nectar rich flowers.
Barn owls may not be a common garden bird to spot but in the quieter corners of the district near fields and open spaces, they may be spotted during a daytime hunt. Winter brings challenges for all nature and as barn owls adapt to the harsh weather conditions, this includes hunting during daylight hours to increase their chances of finding prey. Our friends at Owls and Birds of Prey Essex and Suffolk rescue have continued to care for and protect injured owls and birds of prey. Recently, a barn owl had been brought in that had been injured during the day. We hope to see this owl rehabilitated and released back into the Essex countryside, as they have done with so many other birds.
Immerse yourself in the local ecosystem and see what wildlife and nature you can spot in February. We would love to see anything you capture on your camera or phone, so please do continue to send these in to us.
Article by: Issy Lyons (Marketing Officer, Events and Corporate)
