Bird watching is a popular hobby in England, as it is in many countries around the world. The most common term used to refer to bird watching in England is ‘birding’. This simply means the observation and study of wild birds in their natural habitats.
Origins of Bird Watching in England
Bird watching has a long history in England, dating back hundreds of years. During the Victorian era in the 19th century, observing and documenting birds became a fashionable hobby as interest in natural history grew. Wealthy Victorians would often collect egg and skin specimens of birds. Over time, the interest evolved into simply watching and enjoying birds in their native habitats rather than collecting specimens.
England’s diverse landscapes and habitats, from the rugged coastlines to rolling hills and wetlands, provide homes to a wide variety of bird species. This makes it an excellent destination for birders. By the early 20th century, bird watching had become an established pastime in England.
Popular Locations for Birding in England
There are many top sites across England to spot native and migratory birds in their natural environments:
- RSPB Reserves – The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds manages over 200 nature reserves ideal for bird watching.
- Yorkshire Dales and Moors – Sweeping moorlands home to golden plovers, curlews, and rare merlins.
- Somerset Levels and Moors – Wetlands drawing huge flocks of ducks, geese, and swans.
- Woodland Trust Sites – Wooded areas managed for conservation where colorful woodland species can be spotted.
- Farne Islands – Remote islands off the Northumberland coast where seabirds like puffins nest in summertime.
- Rutland Water – Vast reservoir popular for spotting ospreys and migrant waders.
- Dungeness, Kent – Shingle beaches and saline lagoons attract many coastal species.
- Saltholme, Teesmouth – Internationally important wetland hosting vast numbers of geese and ducks.
In addition, urban parks and gardens can attract many common garden birds for convenient bird watching close to home.
When is the Best Time to Go Birding in England?
With England’s diverse range of habitats, there are opportunities to spot interesting birds year-round. However, some key times of year for birding include:
- Winter: Thousands of ducks, geese, and wading birds arrive from the north to overwinter. Rare vagrant species are also more likely in winter.
- Spring: Returning summer migrants like warblers, hirundines, wheatears, and chiffchaffs pass through in April and May.
- Summer: Resident upland birds nest. Young birds join adults. Wetlands filled with breeding wildfowl and waders.
- Fall: Birds migrate south beginning in August. Raptors, thrushes, finches, tits, and more pass through England.
The primary migration periods of spring and fall offer the most activity and diversity of species to observe.
Common Birds to Spot in England
With over 600 species recorded, England has an abundance of native and seasonal birds that draw birders. Some of the most popular and likely birds to spot include:
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| European robin | Erithacus rubecula | Small, rotund red-breasted songbird of parks and gardens |
| Barn swallow | Hirundo rustica | Distinctive forked tail and long pointed wings; aerial insectivore |
| Common blackbird | Turdus merula | Male is black with orange beak and eye ring; melodious song |
| Blue tit | Cyanistes caeruleus | Colorful tiny acrobatic bird with blue, yellow, white plumage |
| Eurasian wren | Troglodytes troglodytes | Tiny brown bird with turned-up tail; loud and exuberant song |
| Common wood pigeon | Columba palumbus | Large grey pigeon often seen in parks; distinctive cooing call |
| European starling | Sturnus vulgaris | Small chunky black bird with glossy plumage showing purple and green iridescence |
| House sparrow | Passer domesticus | Abundant small brown bird always found close to human habitation |
| Atlantic puffin | Fratercula arctica | Black and white seabird of cliffs and offshore islands; large colorful bill |
| European herring gull | Larus argentatus | Noisy grey-backed gull often present along the English coast |
Rare Bird Sightings
In addition to common birds, England gets its fair share of rare and unusual species that create excitement among birders when spotted. Some prize sightings include:
- Snowy Owl – These magnificent white Arctic owls are rare winter visitors to northern England.
- Little Bustard – Occasional vagrant to southern England; a medium-sized grassland bird.
- White-throated Needletail – Asian swift that has turned up a few times after being blown off course.
- Lady Amherst’s Pheasant – Introduced exotic pheasant sometimes seen in southern woodlands.
- Bee-eater – Colorful migrant passing through southern England in small flocks.
- Hoopoe – Unmistakable pinkish bird with a prominent crest; rare vagrant.
- Golden Oriole – Brilliant yellow migrant from Africa seen in spring.
- Red-footed Falcon – Small raptor from southern Europe that sometimes overshoots its range.
These rare sightings create excitement and interest for British birders who monitor migration patterns and weather systems to try and anticipate unusual arrivals.
Birding Resources
England offers abundant resources for people interested in bird watching. Some key organizations and sources of information include:
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) – Leading conservation charity; manages reserves, organizes birdwatching outings.
- British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) – Monitors bird populations and migration using observations from volunteers.
- Local birding groups – Join groups in your area that organize regular outings and share sightings.
- Bird observatories – Often located at migration hotspots to monitor populations.
- Rare Bird Alerts – Services that provide alerts of rare sightings around the UK.
- Birding forums and social media – Connect with the birding community online to learn of recent sightings.
- Field guides and birding magazines/blogs – Resources to aid with bird identification and news.
With abundant natural areas and an enthusiastic birding community, England provides boundless opportunities to discover the joys of bird watching!
Conclusion
Bird watching has a rich tradition in England, with a diversity of scenic habitats and species drawing enthusiasts year-round. While the practice is commonly referred to as ‘birding’ in England, locals embrace their own regional terms as well, like ‘twitching’ to chase rare birds. Joining a local bird club is a great way to connect with knowledgeable experts who know the best places to spot target species in each area and season. With so many unique species breeding, wintering, and migrating across England, it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise!
