Nature's most incredible journeys, right on our doorstep
Nature lovers often say autumn is their favourite season, and it’s no surprise, as the magic of migration is an unforgettable experience. Luckily for some, you don’t have to travel far to see one of the greatest spectacles of the natural world - and get a front row seat for all the action!
Every year as the seasons change and the leaves turn red and yellow, animals are saving up their strength for migration. The colourful burst of autumn signals the start of these journeys, with some birds covering thousands of miles in search of snow-free climates and food. And this changing of the seasons doesn’t just affect birds, as dragonflies, bats, bees, butterflies and mammals are all trying to find the ideal conditions or hibernation spots before the cold sets in.
WWT Wetland Centres provide the prefect sheltered conditions for birds to find winter sanctuary, so over the next few months, centres will become ‘avian airports’, welcoming tens of thousands of these migrants from the Arctic. At the same time, birds that arrived in spring to raise their young are heading south to overwinter in insect-rich Africa.
With every Wetland Centre offering stunning scenery, breathtaking views, face to face encounters, wild bird feeds and walks and talks, you’re never closer to the action than at a Wetland Centre:
- Watch a wild swan feed from the heated observatory at Welney and witness thousands of Whooper swans flying in nightly
- Experience the thrill of an early morning hide visit with a warden at Martin Mere as thousands of pink-footed geese fly overhead
- Watch the wardens feed the returning Bewick’s swans at Slimbridge, each named and recognised by their own unique bill pattern
- Watch thousands of barnacle geese and see wild whooper swans being fed from the accessible observatory at Caerlaverock – you’ll get closer than anywhere else in Britain!
- See almost the entire population of Light-bellied Brent geese feeding on Strangford Lough by Castle Espie
- Drop into a ‘guide in a hide’ event at Llanelli (Oct events | Nov events ) and see teal, widgeon, pintail and oystercatchers , and if you’re lucky a great white egret – only seen at 3 or 4 places in the UK
- Chat to a ‘guide in the hide’ at Arundel and share their scopes and knowledge. If you’re lucky you might spot the flash of blue as a kingfisher flies, as sightings increase in autumn
- Learn about the migration of bats, eels, butterflies and even spiders on London’s ‘Incredible Journey events and if you’re lucky spot the quirky territorial behaviour of a bittern!
- Walk with a warden at Washington (Oct event | Nov event) and take in the sights, sounds and seasonal wildlife. You’ll also see over a thousand curlew roosting on Wader Lake!
Whether you’re seeing these birds fly in or out, it’s a rare glimpse into the mystery of migration, as so much is still unknown; like how birds know when to migrate, how they find their way and how they communicate with each other while flying thousands of miles. But the result is nonetheless spectacular. Anyone who has ever seen the sky filled with birds flying in formation, or coming in to land in their hundreds or thousands will never forget the sight.
Sir David Attenborough, President of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) said:
‘’Migration is one of the most spectacular phenomenona of the natural world. I’ve dedicated many hours to studying it and making films about it. As well as heralding the change of the seasons, we can learn a great deal about our planet through studying birds. WWT Wetland Centres are great places to learn about migration as they attract birds by the tens of thousands in Winter – it’s a breathtaking sight if you’re lucky enough to witness it.’’
Come and experience the wonders of migration at your local WWT Wetland Centre. Learn why animals migrate, what we know about their amazing journeys and what’s still to discover, but above all just enjoy the unforgettable sights and sounds of nature on the move.
See the full list of events and to find your nearest WWT Wetland Centre
