Spring is the time where everyone is starting to wake up again from that cold and dark winter. It is a new beginning as we start to have longer days of sunshine, flowers start to emerge and birds start to fill the sky with song again. It is the perfect time to go on new adventures to spot those breathtaking wildlife moments with your binoculars and scopes. If you feel uncomfortable travelling abroad at the moment as many of us still do, have a look at some of the options below for the chance to see some rare wildlife in the UK.
Sand Martins
Sand Martins are a favourite of many bird watchers in the UK. These tiny birds leave their winter home of the Sahara and fly across the desert and sea to arrive to us in early March, making them one of the first signs of spring. They like to make a home in burrows in sandy cliffs or banks which is the best place to start searching for them, using industry approved binoculars, to catch the detail of their lifestyle. Across the UK there are Wildlife Trusts that have built artificial nesting cliffs to help their species grow. Have a look for places near you.
Butterflies
Are you a rare butterfly lover? There is something magical about the vibrant colours of their wings in the sky, most butterfly species flourish in the summer but you would be surprised at the amount that actually appear in the spring. Find butterflies in a woodland near you such as The North Downs, Chilterns, Cotswolds and many more. The best places to find them are in sunny meadows, clearings and woodland edges. If you bring your binoculars, you will be able to find those rare species clearly.
Capercaillie
Do you fancy a trip to the forests of Scotland? One of their most famous birds, the Capercaillie, is often found in the pine forests of the Highlands. Spring can be the best time to spot them as they come out of their hiding to show off to get the female’s attention. Their unique colouring and character is a sight to see in their natural habitat.
Hobby
Hobbies arrive in the UK from April and are often seen on those warm sunny days to catch dragonflies and other prey in their talons. It is a great opportunity to watch them hunting in the skies as they can accelerate rapidly in flight to catch down below. Their graceful high speed manoeuvres can look as though they are dancing, it may be useful to have a tripod to help you stabilise as they are quick to miss!
Pine Marten
If you are more of a mammal admirer, why not take a trip to the north of the UK to find the unique Pine Marten. They like to inhabit holes in trees or old bird nests so you may need to look up high to find them. Spring is the best time to search as it is when the females will have a litter of between one to five kits. An interesting fact to try to spot is that they each have a different shaped ‘bib’ on their chin and throat which helps with identification between each one.
These are only a small amount of the possible wildlife you can see in the spring, there are many opportunities out there that are waiting to be observed. Start planning today by ordering your gear to help you see new creatures up close. Not sure where to start? Call us on 01986 875315 for sales and support.