These are also consumed by birds in late winter when other sources of food are scarce. The bright red berries often associated with holly are only found on the female plants. Dogwood, with its colourful bare stems, and mistletoe can also be found along with holly, which is beneficial to wildlife as it provides dense cover for birds. Snowdrops tend to flower between January and March and prefer damp soil so are often found in woodlands and by riverbanks. The most recognisable birds to spot will be mallards, geese and swans, but other birds you may encounter either near the water or further inland are wood-peckers, pheasants, partridges, smews, waxwings, Iceland gulls and of course robins.Ĭertain plant life can also thrive in the winter, as some species are built for colder conditions. If you head down to the riverside or lakes, there will be a large variety of birds around, some of which are in migration. Making sure you leave any piles of sticks, leaves and rocks in place on the forest floor is crucial, so you do not disturb the smaller wildlife species and hibernating animals such as hedgehogs and dormice. You could turn this into an educational family activity to get everyone up and out on a chilly day, but be sure not to disturb any wildlife you come across. Badger tracks can be seen from their nocturnal activity, along with foxes and deer. If it has been particularly cold and there is snow on the ground, or you are in an area of soggy mud, you can go searching for animal tracks. They can also be spotted in gardens taking food from bird feeders! Although squirrels build themselves a den to sleep in, they do not hibernate in the winter. It is also a great time of year to spot squirrels leaping between the branches and foraging for food. You will often find them roosting in small holes in the sides of trees. If you head down to the forest, you may get a chance to see and hear Britain’s most widespread owl – the tawny owl – as they favour woodland habitats. Winter is a wonderful season to take to the countryside, as there are no leaves left on most tree species, so visibility of animals is much clearer. ![]() ![]() A lot of people associate winter with there being barely any wildlife out and about, but it is, in fact, quite the opposite. Food is scarce and freezing temperatures can make everyday survival a battle.
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