Get More Out of Winter…Birds in Urban Spaces!

By Guest Writer: Bird Aware Essex Coast 

What does winter mean to us?

Digging out the extra layers, the warm coat and searching for that woolly hat tucked at the back of the wardrobe, that’s what winter means to many. Starting the day with a hot drink or two to warm ourselves through on patrol. We turn the clocks back and make extra time for the harsh conditions ahead, defrosting the car or preparing for your wintry commute. That’s what winter means to us, and to many of you.

We change our routines, behaviours and wardrobe to suit the colder season, fortunately for birds, they don’t have to consider delays or find forgotten gloves. A reliable food source and space to rest, allowing for natural behaviours to take place, is what our birds need to survive and thrive. There is more to winter than just the cold weather, winter means mesmerizing murmuration’s and birds with berries, shades of red, orange and yellow herding through the wind.

Wondering how you can get more out of winter? Read on to find out and celebrate the little hidden joys of our colder months.

Winter Migration & Visitors

Despite us feeling the cold weather, it is mild here for our winter migrants, some who travel from the Arctic tundra. The UK is a desirable place to escape frozen temperatures, refuel and rest. Imagine a super busy highway used by millions of birds each year, stretching from South Africa to the Arctic. This ‘highway’ is called the East Atlantic flyway for birds. You can spot these winter migrants who have used the ‘highway’ here in Essex. Starlings are a great example of a resident you can see all year round, as well as an influx of numbers joining from Northern Europe. Starlings can be seen in both rural and urban areas, famous for their mesmerizing murmuration’s (image top of page). Explore Chelmsford’s green spaces and you might be lucky enough to spot this murmuration for yourself!

Fieldfares and Redwings are winter visitors too, they can be seen perching on hedgerows such as hawthorn, foraging on the red and ripe berries. As songbirds, we don’t always consider them being confronted with long journeys in search for a reliable food source. However, these thrushes cross the harsh North Sea from Northern Europe including Scandinavia, signifying even more so why it’s important to share the wintering fruits. Also, this season look out for a bright red patch under the wing, alongside a creamy white stripe above the eye, this will be a Redwing (image below).

How can you support birds this winter? 

One of the simplest things you can do to support birds this winter is to admire and appreciate from a distance. Nature is to be enjoyed in its true form, undisturbed, and therefore allowing space for birds to feed and rest. This ensures they have a successful winter but also supports the nesting season ahead.

Spread the word about birds. Winter is a time to slow down, so why not start your next conversation with family and friends about birds you can see this winter. Why not create a winter bird checklist or discuss your favourite bird song? These are ways which can help us connect to nature and therefore can improve our wellbeing.

When the freezing temperatures hit, providing food and shelter gives our feathered friends a helping hand. Installing nest boxes is one of the ways we can provide shelter.

Also adding dense shrubs and hedges in your garden or green space provides coverage against the wind. Pyracantha, Guelder Rose and Berberis are examples of hardy, dense shrubs, producing berries, acting not only as a food source but creating refuge, though be aware of spiny thorns.

A final fun activity is to make bird cakes! It’s simple, grab a bowl, wild bird seed and lard. Chop the lard into small pieces and sprinkle the bird seed. Here comes the fun part, use your hands to bind ingredients into a ball. Once satisfied, place outside and make note of the species feasting. For more information, please visit How to make your own bird feeder.

What does winter mean to You? 

I hope this month’s blog has raised the question, what does winter mean to you? Hopefully it has encouraged the ‘birdieness’ within you too.

Guest Writer:

Jodie Suckling 

Coastal Ranger – Bird Aware Essex Coast 

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