February’s Birds of the Month: which ones will you see?

Wetlands such as reedbeds and saltmarshes are hero habitats. They lock up carbon, improve water quality, and reduce flooding – and they are also home to a whole host of wildlife. With the arrival of breeding season, the species found in these precious wild places are employing some weird and wonderful tactics to secure a date with a potential mate.

So, head outside for a wander this month to mark World Wetlands Day on Sunday 2 February! You could witness a romance with more drama than an episode of reality TV.

Right now, Great Crested Grebes are ditching their drab winter dress to don a more outlandish look, opting for mane-like plumes in russet and burnt orange. Once decked out in their breeding finery, it’s time to take to the dancefloor.

Breeding pairs will toss their heavily decorated heads in unison to claim their territory and strengthen their bond. Then, they seal the deal with a romantic proposal. Diving below the water’s surface, both birds retrieve some weed and rising out of the water together, pressed chest-to-chest, they offer up their green gifts in a series of headshakes. It’s a springtime spectacle you won’t want to miss!

You don’t have to travel out into the countryside to get closer to nature. Escape the hustle and bustle by looking for wildlife in inner-city spaces.

Moorhens are one of the UK’s most widespread birds and can be found almost anywhere there is water. Their bill, bright red with a yellow tip, makes them an easy species to recognise – although they are a nervous bird and will often try to disappear when spotted. You might catch sight of a Moorhen as it quickly scuttles away onto land or see a quick glimpse before it vanishes into reeds.  Watch out for them flicking their white undertail as a signal to predators not to waste their energy, as they’re ready to make a speedy getaway!  

Coots are easy to separate from Moorhens by their bright white blaze and bill. And like Moorhens, they glide across lakes all around the UK, diving down to forage on pondweed, algae and invertebrates. On a still day, they can look very graceful indeed. However, chaos can be just around the corner...

In the breeding season, Coots become very territorial, and pairs will become aggressive to anyone or anything that crosses their patch. They fend off intruders by pattering across a pond or lake, splashing their huge feet, and beating their wings on the water.

A fracas can also signal the arrival of a predator, as Coots make plenty of noise when taking off. Look out for the signs of Otters if birds erupt into a sudden frenzy.

On the fringes of a reedbed, a buff-brown heron skulks at the water’s edge. His plumage is the perfect camouflage against the golden vegetation. He’s a stealth hunter and on the lookout for Eels, fish and amphibians. After catching his prey, he disappears into the dense reeds.

Despite being so difficult to see, the male Bittern is the loudest bird in the UK. His deep booms rumble through the reeds and can be heard up to three miles away! This foghorn-like call is a serenade to passing female birds and is an effective way of marking his territory.

The peak time to hear Bitterns booming is from March through to May, but early birds can be heard staking out their patch throughout February.

An Avocet’s distinct pied plumage, slender blue-hued legs and upturned bill makes it one of the most elegant birds on our shores. Seemingly undeterred by watching eyes, they’ll comfortably nest near to nature reserve hides, making them a favoured model for both new photographers and seasoned professionals alike.

In February, Avocets begin to arrive on their breeding grounds – typically an area of lagoons on a coastal marsh. Their eggs begin to hatch in May. The chicks are precocial which means they’re covered in downy feathers and begin to take shaky steps almost immediately. This gives them the serious cute factor!

On estuaries and river deltas – in places where the land meets the sea – an expanse of low, flat ground lies. On first glance, these intertidal areas might look bleak and barren but look closer and they’re teeming with life. Saltmarshes flood daily, and so the plants here are adapted to live entirely submerged in saltwater for these periods. Then, as the tide retreats, the mud is left exposed, and rich in nutrients and invertebrates, it offers up a feast for wading birds.

In winter, Redshanks flock to mudflats around the UK’s coasts. Their piping calls ring out around our estuaries, where they probe through the gloopy silt, picking out crustaceans and other invertebrates. As spring arrives and insects begin to emerge, they head to the saltmarshes and inland wet grasslands, with the aim of raising chicks.

This spring, scan areas of coastal marsh and see if you can pick out a Redshank. They’re one of our easiest waders to identify, thanks to their bright red legs and bill.

We hope you feel inspired to try and see some of these birds this month. We’d love to hear how you get on. You can send your photos to us at NotesonNature@rspb.org.uk We’ll share some of the best in a future issue of Notes on Nature.

Please be mindful when taking photos not to disturb wildlife or habitats. Further guidance can be found in The Nature Photographer's Code of Practice.