Temperatures are dropping, days are getting shorter, and our winter birds are arriving! Most birds which migrate to the UK for a less harsh Winter begin to arrive in Autumn therefore many of our favourite winter species are already here!
Named after their red patches under the wings, the redwing (Turdus iliacus) is the smallest thrush found in the UK! With few breeding pairs staying here all year round, they are commonly encountered as a winter bird. Their diet consists of primarily worms and berries which they search for across the UK’s countryside. Redwings don’t tend to visit gardens unless food is scarce – read on for tips on giving your garden birds a helping hand this winter!
As initially stated, only a small number of redwing breed within the UK – most of which are in Northern Scotland. Just like all birds, redwings are oviparous and lay around 4-6 eggs which usually hatch in less than two weeks. After another two weeks the chicks will begin to fledge although they’ll still depend on their parents for a further two weeks.
In October, the redwings will begin to migrate to the UK from Iceland and Scandinavia by night on a 500km flight across the North Sea. They will spend most of autumn in hedges and orchards feeding on fruits and berries before switching to earthworms in winter when most fruit has been used up.
Redwings are known to be a nomadic bird which rarely returns to the same place to spend winter. Because of this, focusing on looking for suitable habitats instead of areas which have had sightings in previous years will likely be more effective for finding redwings. They’re often sighted within hedges and orchards in open countryside and parks. Redwings are often seen in flocks with fieldfares, foraging for food.
Fieldfares (Turdus pilaris) are also part of the thrush family and are much larger than redwings. Just like the redwing, fieldfares also spend most of the year in Scandinavia before flying to the UK for winter. Their diet is also much the same as the redwing, feeding primarily on berries and fallen fruit while in the UK – hence why they’re often seen flocking together.
Although winter in the UK is comparatively milder than the harsh conditions in Scandinavia and Iceland, winter can still be a difficult time for redwings, fieldfares and particularly our resident species of birds. One of the best ways to help support your local birds is to provide food and water in your garden as food can often become scarce. High-energy food is essential to maintain their fat reserves to survive the chilly nights. Natural water sources are likely to freeze therefore providing clean water at your feeding station is just as important. Just like throughout the rest of the year, keeping good hygiene by cleaning your feeders regularly is vital!
If you don’t have a garden, purchasing a window feeder is a good way of still feeding the birds while providing you with beautiful views!
If you can, establishing a feeding routine and trying to keep feeders topped up is useful as many birds will become dependent on your support.
If you see any of these species around St Aidan’s and Fairburn Ings, please do let us know! You can tag us on social media, come to the visitor’s centres to tell us or write in our sightings books, which are also found in the visitor’s centre or café at both reserves. Happy spotting!
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