Campbeltown Courier

SCOTLAND’S TOP TEN WINTER BIRDS : WHERE AND WHEN TO SEE THEM

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NatureScot is encouragin­g people to get out into nature over the next month or so to try to spot 10 types of winter bird.

Scotland is home to more than 550 species of birds. During the winter, population­s swell with the return of thousands of migratory visitors that spend their summers elsewhere.

From skies full of geese honking their arrival from Svalbard and Iceland to the chatter of thrushes from continenta­l Europe, winter brings a host of bird species to admire.

All these species migrate to Scotland for the same reason. Wherever they originate from, the conditions on their breeding grounds usually become unsuitable during winter. For example, the weather may be too harsh with very low temperatur­es and frequent snow, or it may simply become harder to find food.

Scotland, blessed as it is with a relatively mild, maritime climate, has several winter habitats that offer abundant food.

It’s not just the migrant birds that are worth looking out for at this time of year, but some of our residents are also still active too.

Here are just some of Scotland’s winter birds and where and when you can spot them. NatureScot has ranked these in terms of difficulty, from the easiest - 1 - to the hardest to spot - 10. 3: Blackbird can be seen all year in gardens, parks and anywhere with shrubby cover. They especially like berries and other fruits in winter, so put out that apple that’s been in the fruit bowl a bit too long. 5: Redwing - often seen with fieldfares, so if you see a flock of thrushes, have a close look and check which species are present.

?? NatureScot. Photograph: Lorne Gill/ ?? 2: Blue tit - also in your garden or park all year round, but especially if you provide peanuts during the winter. A fieldfare eating fallen apples in a snow covered garden. 4: Fieldfare - this noisy brown-and-grey thrush is usually seen in large flocks, congregati­ng in fields and trees or shrubs with abundant berries. A winter visitor.
NatureScot. Photograph: Lorne Gill/ 2: Blue tit - also in your garden or park all year round, but especially if you provide peanuts during the winter. A fieldfare eating fallen apples in a snow covered garden. 4: Fieldfare - this noisy brown-and-grey thrush is usually seen in large flocks, congregati­ng in fields and trees or shrubs with abundant berries. A winter visitor.
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?? Photograph: Eric Patrick. ?? A redwing eating berries.
Photograph: Eric Patrick. A redwing eating berries.
?? NatureScot. Photograph: Fergus Gill/ ?? 1: Robin - an iconic and much-loved winter bird, you will find them in your back garden or local park all year round. You may see rivals chasing each other round the garden or hear males singing to proclaim their patch. A robin perching on a fork handle.
NatureScot. Photograph: Fergus Gill/ 1: Robin - an iconic and much-loved winter bird, you will find them in your back garden or local park all year round. You may see rivals chasing each other round the garden or hear males singing to proclaim their patch. A robin perching on a fork handle.
?? NatureScot. Photograph: Lorne Gill/ ?? A blackbird perched on a snow-covered branch of a pine tree.
NatureScot. Photograph: Lorne Gill/ A blackbird perched on a snow-covered branch of a pine tree.
?? Photograph: Lorne Gill/NatureScot. ?? A blue tit perching on a snow-covered branch.
Photograph: Lorne Gill/NatureScot. A blue tit perching on a snow-covered branch.

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