RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor shares some of the exciting signs of the arriving season to look out for.
As autumn arrives…
New visitors to our shores
Last week I shared just a few of the lovely arriving migrants we can begin to spot across Scotland at this exciting time of year. A new burst of life is injected across our landscapes as geese, ducks, waders and winter thrushes visit our skies, lochs, coasts and gardens!
As well as some species arriving back after their summer absence, numbers of some of our resident birds also go up.
Autumn’s changing colours
The changing colours of autumn are one of the most magical signs of the season. Most of us will notice the changing trees, watching leaves transform into bursts of yellow, orange and red, transforming the nature around us.
There are also other colour changes in nature you can look out for – much of our wildlife will go through a costume change at this time of year too!
Bursting to life underfoot
Autumn is the best time of year to explore the wonderful world of fungi. Across Britain there are around 13,000 species of fungi. Only about 3,000 of these are larger fungi (macromycetes), with the rest needing a microscope to be seen.
There are so many fascinating fungi to look for all in different colours and shapes. Fungi also have some of the best names in nature such as puffball and dead man’s fingers.
Change in the garden
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden there are changes to look for right at home. Some of our arriving migrants might show up and many of our resident birds will be making more trips to your feeders as the weather gets colder.
The falling leaves in your garden can provide some shelter and protection for wildlife and depending on the garden you might begin to see certain plants flourishing and matching the gorgeous autumn colours.
Collecting conkers
Spotting conkers littering the ground is one of the sure signs autumn has arrived! Conkers fall to the ground in bright green spiky shells, which then split open revealing their shiny seeds.
Other nuts to look for in autumn include acorns, beechnuts, hazelnuts, sweet chestnuts, cobnuts and more! Nuts, fruits and berries are just one more thing that reminds us that even as the cold and dark sets in, life is all around us.
I would love to hear in the comments what your favourite part of autumn nature is!