Fersiwn Gymraeg ar gael yma
As the autumn nights begin to draw in, it is often suggested that nature ‘goes to sleep’. And while we may see the temperature drop and the weather take a turn giving a barer and more tranquil look to the outdoors, this can all be a bit misleading. Here are five stars to look out for this autumn!
Jays, the most colourful member of the crow family, are unmistakeable with their pinkish plumage with distinct dashes of blue and black. While shy, you’ll have ample opportunity to see them in these colder months, as they collect and store acorns. While it may not be their intention, Jays are lauded for being great tree planters. They can remember thousands of spots where they plant acorns for a later date, some slip their memory – and this will often result in trees growing! Wales sees ample numbers of Jays in the autumn as they venture west from across the border in England, looking for a warmer climate – but they will reach our west coast and be reluctant to cross the Irish sea, settling for a Welsh welcome!
While we are familiar with the Blackbird and the Song Thrush throughout the year, other members of the thrush family will visit in the colder months. Redwings will arrive from eastern Europe for the winter – and on still nights from October onwards, the Redwing’s song can be heard in the fresh autumn breeze. Its plumage is striking; as its name suggests, you’ll see the distinct red dash underneath the wing, as well as dark brown coat with lighter marks above and under the eye, and a golden breast with dark, tidy dashes.
From the thrush family to one of the thrush family’s favourite meals - Rowan berries are a symbol of the colder months and can be seen across Wales – usually about to disappear down the gullet of a Blackbird or a Redwing!
Another plant which thrives in these colder months is the Ivy. Its flower provides a very valuable source of pollen when most other flowers have died, helping insects such as Hoverflies and the Ivy Bees, which have naturally arrived here in Wales since the beginning of the century and populate the north coast.
Down to the Welsh coast and there you may see one of Wales most well-loved birds, the Curlew. But this can often be misleading when it comes to the reality of the Curlew’s plight as a Welsh breeding-bird. Nesting Curlews have seen a devastating decline of over 70% in Wales since the mid-1990s. The Curlew that you’ll see over these colder months are migrant birds, who have come to visit from various countries that make up the mainland of Europe; a treat to witness, but let’s not forget the very real emergency that Wales’ nesting Curlews of warmer months face.
What do you love about nature in the autumn? We want to hear from you! Tag us in your photos or send us your stories: @RSPBCymru