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10 WILDLIFE WONDERS TO SEE THIS WINTER
Here, Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Sites Officer Andy Karran, provides a guide to winter wildlife
Winter, the weather is not as good, the Swallows and many others have flown south, insects have seemingly disappeared, hibernation is underway and flower blooms have long gone. On the face of it you may not think it worthwhile getting out and about to see our wildlife, however you would be missing out!
One of the beauties of living in the UK is our contrasting seasons, each one bringing something completely different, there is always something new and interesting to be seen. Here are 10 things to look out for. Wrap up warm, get outdoors and enjoy!
1. Dippers singing Not many birds sing in the winter, perhaps just the more melancholic winter song of the Robin in our gardens. However, if you take a walk by many of our rivers over the winter you may well be surprised to hear Dippers singing their hearts out. Dippers are early breeders and sing throughout the winter to establish their territory on a stretch of stream.
2. Roving small bird flocks The stillness of a winter woodland is a great experience in itself. However, the calm can be interrupted by twittering flocks of finches or roving flocks of Tits following each other from tree to tree. At this time of year many species can group together with various species of Tits, Nuthatches, Goldcrests, Treecreepers etc.
flitting after each other through the woodland on a constant search for food. As suddenly as they arrive, they move on leaving it quiet again. At this time of year there is the added bonus of the lack of leaves allowing for great views.
3. Waders and Wildfowl at the Coast Whilst many birds have left us for warmer climes, we also get a
huge influx of birds from further north. This is most noticeable at the coast where vast numbers of waders such as Dunlin, Turnstone and Curlew, as well as wildfowl such as Wigeon, Shoveler and Teal arrive with us to spend the winter in warmer climes and exploit the food-rich mud of the Severn Estuary. The Severn Estuary supports such a number of birds that its importance is recognised through its protection under a number of international designations. A visit at high tide can provide great views of many species, including spectacular swirling flocks, go at low tide however and the birds could be a long way away!
4. The First Flowers The flower rich meadows of summer are still a long way off, but our first plants will be blooming at the start of the year. Snowdrops are famously early to flower but other species such as Lesser Celandine, Sweet Violet and Primroses may all be gracing our woodlands with a splash of colour in January/February.
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GWENT WI LDL I F E TRUS T WINT ER
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