For me, autumn is the most special season - when nature shows off its coat of many colours and huge flocks of birds come and go, all searching for a more temperate home for the colder months.
Most people will know that long-distance migrants like swifts leave our shores at the end of summer and undertake the arduous journey to Africa. But you might be surprised to learn how many other species are at it too. Even the blackbirds in your garden in January could be winter visitors from eastern Europe!
With species like swallows, house martins and terns already on the wing to balmier climes, they’ll soon be replaced by birds like fieldfares, whooper swans and many kinds of ducks, geese and wading birds.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that as temperatures tumble, we’ll see an influx of waxwings.
This exotic looking bird from Scandinavia is easily recognisable by its pinky/beige colour and prominent crest and is most likely to be seen gobbling berries in your garden.
We’ve only begun to unravel to mystery of migration in the last 100 years or so and the findings are fascinating.
We know birds can navigate by recognising familiar landmarks, such as coastlines, river valleys and even roads but many scientists also believe birds have an internal 'compass'.
Tiny grains of a magnetic mineral have been found in the head of some birds, including pigeons, which can detect the Earth's magnetic field, which may allow birds to navigate by finding the position of true north – pretty impressive!
To think these creatures, some no bigger than the palm of my hand, fly halfway around the world just to survive is amazing and I’m already looking forward to welcoming them back next spring.