Feathered family fun: join our festival of bird-themed events for February half-term

WWT Castle Espie will be hosting a fun-filled festival of bird-themed events for February half-term, giving families a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get up close with the UK’s greatest winter wildlife.

Taking place from Monday 12 to Friday 16 February, ‘The Big Hideout’ will see WWT Castle Espie turn its hides into Hideouts filled with bird boxes, mini beast motels, bird orchestra and lots more for all the family to enjoy.

Binoculars and telescopes will be available to borrow, and experts on wetland nature will be on hand to help guests discover many of the birds that flock to the centre from around the world in the colder months.

Budding and seasoned bird spotters alike should be on the lookout for the countless numbers of wildfowl, including many thousands of Brent geese, creating an unforgettable natural spectacle in the Strangford Lough sky, waters, salt marshes and fields. Also look out for wigeon, siskin, dunlin, long tailed tit and shelduck.

This February half-term also look out for and enjoy up-close encounters with the ducks and geese with the opening of WWT Castle Espie’s new walk-through aviary. And not forgetting the daily Keeper Talks at 12:45pm. Meet one of the WWT Keepers who cares for the collection of birds from around the world. Get insights into the birds that call Castle Espie home.

It’s amazing what you can see when you hide in the right place. This February half-term, our bird hides will become the perfect Hideouts for families to spend a fun-filled day together discovering incredible winter wetland wildlife. We are also delighted to reveal our new walk through aviary, which will also offer families lots to enjoy and discover this half-term.

All activities are included in admission or free for members and children aged four and under. Check out the full programme.

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