Bird watching is a great hobby that is suitable for anyone. The best thing about bird watching is that is it something that you can do anywhere – even in your own backyard. It is also almost inexpensive as you just need a binocular to start birding. However, if you are a serious bird watcher, you might want to go and watch different types of birds in different habitats. So here we have a list of places around the UK that are ideal for bird watchers, and the time periods of the year that are best to visit them.
WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, Dumfries & Galloway
Photo Credit: Laurence Arnold
Thousands of swans, ducks and geese arrive at the Scottish borders every autumn. Some of these birds fly from far off places such as Spitsbergen or Iceland, which are in the Arctic Ocean, to enjoy the comparatively mild winter weather conditions in the British islands. Visit the WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre during this season and you will be able to see a lot of Whooper Swans and Barnacle Geese enjoying their daily evening feeding sessions.
Best time period to visit – October to March
Loch Garten, Scottish Highlands
Photo Credit: Jane Turner
Since RSPB made the decision to make Loch Garten open to the public, it has been visited by more than 3 million bird watchers. This is one of the best places to see the most impressive and largest grouse in Britain, Capercaillie. In addition to Capercaillie, you can also see Red squirrels, Ospreys and European Crested Tits.
Best time period to visit – May to August
Minsmere, Suffolk
Photo Credit: streetr’s_flickr
The splendid wetland, woodland and coastal scenery of Minsmere makes it a bird watchers’ paradise. When you visit Minsmere, you will have two options to choose from; you can either head to the coastal lagoons or have a relaxing walk around the place. There are also some bird watching hideouts, which can offer excellent opportunity to watch wild birds at close range. You will be able to see Avocets, Marsh Harriers, Otters and Bitterns in Minsmere. And if you visit in May, you can also see the sand martin colony in the old car park.
Best time period to visit – May to June
WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire
Photo Credit: Jules
WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre is a 325-hectare of wetands, which is the home to many resident and migratory birds. This is the first of Sir Peter Scott’s Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust centers. The place homes about 35,000 wildfowl in every winter. In addition to wildfowl, you can also watch Bewick’s swans, Grass-polys, Herons, European white-fronted geese, Starlings and more than 200 other species, which includes 25 different wildfowl types.
Best time period to visit – November to March
Ramsey Island, Wales
Photo Credit: ritanadas
The Ramsey Island has many cliffs that are up to 120m in height, which are perfect for seabirds to breed during the spring and early summer. It is one of the best places to watch Peregrines, Choughs, Guillemots and Ravens.
Best time period to visit – April to October
About the Author: Jessy Taylor is a content writer who loves to share her knowledge among internet users. At the moment she is more concerned about bird food.
