The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is set for January 23rd to 25th, inviting people across the UK to spend an hour counting garden birds to contribute to the world’s largest wildlife survey.
With UK Google searches for ‘winter birds’ seeing a 37% increase from last year, it’s clear that many across the UK have taken up birdwatching as a hobby.
For those who do not have their own garden to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch at home, Isle of Wight static caravans sales provider Away Resorts has revealed the best spots on the Isle of Wight to spot local winter birds.
• Newtown National Nature Reserve
Nestled on the west coast, Newtown is a peaceful nature reserve, characterised by saltmarshes, mudflats and extensive woodland. At this time of the year, birdwatchers can expect to see large flocks of Brent geese, wigeon, teal and pintal ducks feeding on the tidal flats. Golden plovers and dunlin can be spotted across the sandflats, while red-breasted mergansers and grebes may be found further inland.
• Brading Marshes (RSPB Reserve)
As the Isle of Wight’s only RSPB reserve, Brading Marshes offers a blend of reedbeds, lagoons, and marshland, making it a hotspot for birdlife. January sees large flocks of wildfowl such as lapwings, redshanks, and pintails. The hedgerows are home to many fieldfares and redwings, while marsh harriers are often seen flying over the reedbeds. The reserve is also known for its variety of waterfowl and wading birds.
• Bembridge Harbour and Tide Mills
This coastal estuary is a fantastic location with mudflats and salt marshes, perfect for a winter birdwatch. Alongside Brent geese grazing on the salt marshes, oystercatchers, curlews, and little egrets are often seen along the foreshore. Birdwatchers can also spot Mediterranean gulls during the winter months and occasionally grey herons.
• Alvertsone Mead Nature Reserve
This quiet, inland wetland reserve just outside Sandown offers locals and visitors the perfect spot for birdwatching opportunities. Winter visitors such as redpolls and treecreepers can be spotted, as well as kingfishers along the riverbanks. The reserve is also home to great spotted woodpeckers and siskins.
• Alan Hersey Nature Reserve
This brackish marshland reserve, located on the northeast coast of the island, offers excellent birdwatching spots overlooking pools and reedbeds. Birdwatchers in January will see a variety of wildfowl, including ducks, and waders like redshanks and dunlins along the marsh perimeters. Flocks of small passerines can also be spotted in the scrub, making it a great spot for sheltered winter birdwatching.
Kate Watts, spokesperson at Isle of Wight static caravan sales provider Away Resorts, says:
“Participating in the Big Garden Birdwatch is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to connect with nature and appreciate the incredible birdlife that the Isle of Wight has to offer. Whether you’re counting birds from your garden, balcony, or local green space, it’s a simple way to observe the diverse species that call the Isle of Wight home. From its coastal wetlands to its woodland reserves, the Isle of Wight is filled with winter visitors at this time of the year.”
