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Unmissable winter wildlife spectacles and where to see them

Mark Hamblin/2020VISION

From starling murmurations at Brockholes to resplendent short-eared owls in full flight at Lunt Meadows, here are some of the top winter wildlife spectacles you can see in our region this season.

Although winter is often associated with a sense of decay and decline in the natural world, this couldn't be further from the truth. Winter is a fabulous time to observe wildlife, as Britain’s coastline and nature reserves burst into life with a diverse selection of overwintering birds and other wild creatures.

Starling murmurations

It wouldn't be winter without the spectacle of murmurating starlings. Murmurations take place throughout the winter months when our own starlings are joined by thousands more from right across continental Europe. As dusk falls the starlings gather to roost, propelling themselves into the air en-masse to commence their hypnotic display, before rapidly gliding down into reedbeds for the night. This spectacular demonstration is not just visually impressive, but also serves an important purpose. By gathering in large numbers and swirling with reckless abandon, starlings effectively protect themselves from potential predators.

The best places to observe this true wonder of nature are Brockholes, Lunt Meadows and Wigan Flashes, at dusk from November onwards.

Starlings murmurating over Brockholes Nature Reserve, by Alan Wright

Short-eared owls on the hunt

Lunt Meadows is also home to an abundance of other outstanding winter wildlife spectacles. One of the most visually breath-taking being short-eared owls hunting silently across the reserve in broad daylight. With their impressive wingspan and huge yellow eyes, there is no mistaking these delightful birds when viewed in full flight.

Lunt Meadows is also home to a thriving population of water voles, so keep your eyes peeled as you pass the ditches. Though somewhat unassuming in appearance these fascinatingly inquisitive characters are a joy to observe in the wet grassland areas of the reserve.

Oystercatcher

Professor William Hale

Staying in Merseyside for a moment longer, not far from Lunt Meadows lies Seaforth Nature Reserve. This Merseyside nature reserve is a bird spotter's paradise during the winter months, with various lagoons and reedbeds awash with teal, tufted ducks and goldeneye, to mention but a few. Seaforth is also home to several captivating species of wading bird, the most notable being large groups of oystercatchers. These delightful birds bring a much-needed splash of colour to a somewhat drab time of year, as their radiant orange bills and eye-catching pink legs make them stand out from the crowd.

A red squirrel standing to attention on a fallen tree

Peter Cairns/2020VISION

Red squirrels gathering food

Another winter wildlife delight in our local area is the chance to see rare red squirrels at Freshfield Dune Heath and Mere Sands Wood. With limited leaf coverage on the trees at this time of year and natural food sources becoming scarce, it's slightly easier to observe these charming creatures during the colder months. That said, with their numbers so low and a shy character, you'll have to be especially quiet and patient to spot one.

A view of one of the pools at Wigan Flashes Nature Reserve

One of the many pools at Wigan Flashes

Winter visiting bittern

Wigan Flashes is a stunning place to visit during the winter months. As well as starling murmurations and other wonderful widllife, two winter sights particularly stand out.

First, there is the majestic bittern, an elusive bird that takes up residence at this nature reserve during the winter months, skulking amongst the reeds.

Rather wonderfully, Wigan Flashes is also regarded as a nationally important site for willow tits. They are the country's most endangered small bird, with the Flashes home to 10 per cent of the national population.

Bobbing jack snipe

We can't end without mentioning the entertaining character that is the secretive jack snipe. Though not common in our region they are regularly recorded close to the coast during winter, with sightings at Heysham Moss, Heysham Nature Reserve and Middleton Nature Reserve, as well along Heysham harbour.

This delightful little bird is easily recognisable by its quirky feeding style, where it bounces up and down repeatedly as if sat on a spring.  

Overall, winter is an incredible time for wildlife and our local area is home to an abundance of fascinating wildlife and natural spectacles. If you do get the chance, make sure to get outside and take in some of the wondrous moments in nature that are taking place right on your doorstep, and don't forget to share your sightings with us on social media.

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