At this time of year, when the days are short and the light brief, it’s important to take the opportunity to get outside when you can. Birdwatching is a hobby available to everyone, and at this time of year, ornithological activity is booming.

My love of birdwatching properly kicked off during regular trips to nearby WWT Slimbridge (thank you Mum and Dad). I can’t recommend a day there enough; surrounded by a safe haven for birds next to the River Severn.

While our resident birds wait for spring, many migrant species arrive from Siberia for a more delicate winter. As we are in the west, with excellent wetland centres such as Slimbridge, we boast a high population of these birds. For instance, every year thousands of wintering lapwings join us.

These are gorgeous little birds, about the size of a pigeon, but far more elegantly attired: characterised by a rather flamboyant tuft on the back of the head. Their murmurations are composed of thousands of individuals, creating a beautiful dance of black and white.

From the warmth of your home

You don’t have to travel for birdwatching. Let’s move closer to home, to a species you can see from the kitchen window.

The redwing is a garden visitor. It looks like a sort of song thrush: unsurprising as the species are in fact cousins, but they have a beautiful bold patch of red underneath each wing. They also have a gorgeous beige stripe over each eye, like a bold eyeliner. You’ll see this as they fly between trees in search of winter berries. Usually, they’re in a gaggle of about six birds, so if you see one, then more will follow closely! In my experience, a holly tree is your best bet to see these birds on a frosty morning.

A calorie-rich treat

If you’d like to give birds a helping hand this winter, start with food. Leftover goose fat from Christmas can be mixed with seeds and rolled into a ball for a calorie-rich treat. Mealworms are another favourite, particularly for robins. When temperatures drop, fresh water sources can freeze quickly. A simple bowl of warm water in the garden can make all the difference, and it’s never long before a bird swoops in for a drink or even a quick bath.

Listen for calls as you wander

Head out with a pair of binoculars if you have them; but don’t forget to wrap up warm! As you wander, listen for calls and see if you can spot the bird behind the sound. The free app ‘Merlin’ can help identify bird songs, turning your walk into a fun challenge: how many species can you record and observe?

Of course, it doesn’t have to be competitive; birdwatching is also a wonderfully calming way to practise mindfulness, engaging all your senses as you take in the sights and sounds of nature.

Birdwatching is more than spotting feathers: it’s about slowing down and noticing life around you. Whether you visit Slimbridge or look out from your kitchen window, these moments connect us to nature and remind us that beauty thrives even in the cold, quiet months.