Feathers and frost

Winter birdwatching

Think winter isn't great for birdwatching? While some birds fly south, winter is actually the perfect time for beginners to explore places like the Nature Discovery Centre and Thatcham Reedbeds.

Every winter, hundreds of thousands of ducks flock to the UK for food and milder weather. They fall into two groups: divers and dabblers.

Diving ducks, like the tufted duck, dive underwater for food. Tufted ducks are easy to spot. Males have striking black and white feathers and a funky head tuft, while females are browner with a smaller tuft. Another winter star is the pochard: males have a pale grey body, chestnut head, and red eyes; females are mostly grey-brown.

Dabbling ducks feed near the surface or tip up with their tails in the air. Mallards are the classic dabblers. Remember to feed them seeds or peas, not bread! Teal are small with a green eye patch,
and shovelers use their big bills to filter food, often swimming in circles.

Want to learn more?

Numerous bird song guides and handy apps are available. Or join a 'Birds and a Brew' event at the Nature Discovery Centre, run by the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT). Each session features a different theme and is led by friendly experts to help you enhance your birding skills. Find out more and book at bbowt.org.uk/events.