When it comes to spring, the first animal that usually comes to mind is, of course, the bunny. However, if you’re more interested in animals of the feathery variety then this is still just as good a time of year for you.
As migratory birds return to the UK after the long winter and nesting season begins, many avid birdwatchers will be planning their June breaks in the UK.
Whatever your degree of bird knowledge, don’t be left behind and treat yourself to your own birdwatching holiday.
We’ve complied a few of the best locations to see birds this spring so grab your binoculars and slide on your hiking boots, it’s time to get some fresh ticks marked on your list.
Lundy Island, Devon
Ten miles off the coast of North Devon you’ll find the island of Lundy, home to one of the largest seabird colonies in England.
Thanks to decades of conservation work more than 40,000 seabirds can be found nesting on the island, making it the perfect location for a spot of spring birdwatching.
Of course, the most popular and photogenic of Lundy’s bird residents are the puffins, from whom the island even gets its name. The iconic seabird stands out with its colourful beak contrasted against a black and white coat, making it a lot easier to spot on the cliffs than some of its more camouflaged cousins.
However, if you’re looking for something a little more unusual, the island is also a stronghold for the Manx shearwater.
As 95% of England’s breeding pairs are found on Lundy there’s nowhere better to go for a sighting of these sooty-coloured seabirds.
Flamborough Cliffs, Yorkshire
If you aren’t in the mood to brave a ferry this spring, though, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a glimpse at the colourful puffins. And they are just one of the species that can be found at Yorkshire’s Flamborough Cliffs nature reserve, along with guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes.
The views from the top of the impressive chalk cliffs offer a great vantage point to observe the spring migration in process, watching as various seabirds return to the milder climate of the UK’s shores.
If you time it right, you may even be treated to the sight of hatchlings.
Listen to the echo of thousands of seabirds chattering as you enjoy the warmth of a bright spring day above the only mainland seabird colony in England.
Arne, Dorset
Found within Dorset’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the nature reserve at Arne is an excellent place to see a variety of wildlife this spring.
Encompassing habitats from lowland heathland to wetlands and mudflats, the reserve showcases birds of very different niches to tick off your watchlist.
From wading spoonbills to singling woodlarks, you can spend hours taking in the sights and observing the birds in residence. With so much ground to cover and so many birds to see you’re likely to want to spend more than just one day in the area, so consider a stay at nearby accommodation.
Most notable of Arne’s residents, though, are the Dartford warblers. While their population crashed in the 1960s, the warblers have since recovered and thrived in Arne thanks to the efforts of the RSPB.
With their nesting season falling in spring, it’s a great time to spy them darting in and out of the gorse thickets.
Loch Garten, Abernathy
North of the Scottish border the spring weather many not be quite as balmy, but that doesn’t bother the birds.
Sat among the trees of a wild pine forest is Loch Garten, famous as the location where a pair of breeding ospreys returned to the UK.
After the species went extinct in the British Isles in the early 20th century it was here that its restoration began. As a result, the loch is one of the best places in the country to observe these majestic birds of prey.
With a bird hide set up near the known nesting point of a pair of ospreys, you have a solid chance of seeing them should you choose to visit. On walks around the loch there’s also the chance of catching sight of an osprey, or one of the other local birds, out fishing in the waters.
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Whatever the kind of bird you’re looking to see there are plenty of options for birdwatching spots around the UK. Whether you’d rather encounter the majestic osprey or the adorable puffin, get planning your June break now so that you don’t miss out.
