Wintering Birds
Many species come to Wales in autumn, spending their winter here, before retuning to their breeding grounds in the spring. By doing this they avoid the harsh weather, lack of food and high mortality that winter brings to these northern climes.
Species such as Redwing and Fieldfare start arriving in Wales mid to late October and remain here until March and April. They eat berries and worms and can often be found in mixed flocks numbering 100 or more.
Many species of Ducks and Waders come to spend their winters on Welsh estuaries. As Wales has a milder, maritime climate, they can survive the winter and importantly feed in a frost-free environment.Although Climate change is a global phenomenon, winter temperatures in northern Europe and Scandinavia are still unfavourable for these species. The UK is experiencing milder winters and so although these species will continue to migrate to Wales, greater numbers are likely to remain in northern Britain and fewer should be seen here in Wales. These milder winters have allowed new species to visit Wales in increasing number and frequency.
