At this time of year, we see big flocks of birds building up. Some are our native birds joined by arrivals from Europe, eg starlings, others, like the whooper and Bewick’s swans that visit our Ouse Washes reserve fly to Britain to escape the cold of their breeding grounds. Huge flocks that join together, mainly for protection, give us humans a spectacular view. It makes me wonder whether birds look at us ‘flocking’ on a beach in summer, or at a football match, with the same feelings of awe and wonderment? I doubt it, but it’s a nice thought!
It’s in the estuaries where some of the biggest flocks can be seen, with waders such as knots and dunlins. However, one of the best spectacles I’ve seen is pink-footed geese returning to roost on the marshes of North Norfolk as the dark closes in. Simply stunning. There are some wonderful wildlife spectacles throughout the world, but, in my opinion, Britain’s winter birds flocking is up there with the best.
However, with all this spectacle, spare a thought for the birds that don’t flock in big numbers, the dunnocks and blue tits of this world. The garden birds. In spring, they’re the stars of the show, but right now they’re almost forgotten.
Although for most of us back garden bird watchers out, the bird feeder provides a spectacle. Small flocks of tits and finches will be there, whilst autumn and winter can bring some unexpected visitors to your garden if the weather gets really cold. Our winter visitors may be top at the moment, but come spring the garden birds will be back.
Whichever spectacle it is, it makes me remember: all of nature is amazing in it’s own way.
For more on our science, check out the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science web pages.