Pink-footed Goose
Learn more about Pink-footed Geese and where to see them.
Get to know the UK’s thrushes, including the Fieldfares and Redwings that flock here for the winter.
Spotlight
Seven reasons to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on 10 October
Autumn migration is firmly underway and there’s plenty to see and savour.
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World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated worldwide and takes place twice a year – in May and October. These mark the twice-yearly movements of millions of birds, as they move between their breeding and wintering grounds in spring and autumn.
A magnet for wintering birds
Here in the UK about half of all our bird species migrate. At this time of year, berry-eating birds such as Redwings join us from Iceland and other colder parts of Europe, drawn here by the food available in our hedgerows and trees. Huge numbers of ducks, geese, waders and other waterbirds also favour our relatively milder climate, flying in to seek food and shelter on our wetlands and estuaries.
As well as birds moving in and out, the UK is a perfect stopping point for species such as Wryneck, Curlew Sandpiper and Ruff that pause and refuel on their way to wintering grounds further south. Migration also happens within the UK, as resident birds move to different wintering grounds. For a species like the Hen Harrier that breeds in the uplands, that means a migration to the lowlands for the winter.
Brilliant for birdwatching
All this makes autumn a brilliantly busy time in the bird watching calendar, and World Migratory Bird Day is a chance to marvel at the migration happening around us.
Here’s seven reasons why we’ll be looking up with wonder this World Migratory Bird Day!
1. We’re a vital part of a bird superhighway!
The UK is a vital link in the East Atlantic Flyway – a bird migration route that stretches from the Arctic to South Africa, connecting 79 countries and used by at least 350 different migratory bird species.
During autumn, the UK is the destination for millions of birds flying in from colder climes to enjoy our milder winter. It’s also an essential stopping point for ‘passage migrants’ – birds stopping to refuel as they migrate beyond the UK.
2. We’re a winter hub for wading and wetland birds.
Our geographical location, temperate climate and network of estuaries and wetlands mean plenty of food and shelter for wetland birds.
It’s estimated that England’s East Coast Wetlands – an area which stretches from the Thames to the Humber estuary – welcome the arrival of 1.3 million migratory waterbirds alone! While many wader species, such as the Redshank, Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit, breed in the UK, their numbers are boosted enormously by autumn arrivals. For example, in 2025 the UK breeding population of Black-tailed Godwit was estimated at just 35 pairs, but the wintering population is estimated to be around 41,000 individuals!
3. A whopping 90% of the global population of Pink-footed Geese winter in the UK.
These geese breed in the far north; almost the entire Icelandic and eastern Greenlandic populations winter in the UK.
Key sites for them are Scotland’s eastern coastal plain, central lowlands, and around the Solway Firth, plus lowland farmland and coastal sites in Lancashire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk.
4. We have the best weather for ducks!
A whole host of ducks, come here for winter from all across northern Europe, Scandinavia and Russia, swelling the ranks of resident populations. Species include Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, Mallard and Tufted Duck.
Being on the north-western side of Europe gives a mild oceanic climate that means our wetlands (mostly) stay wet throughout the winter, whereas large tracts of the northern hemisphere get locked in ice.
5. Birdwatching on RSPB nature reserves is awesome.
The large numbers of birds that migrate to the UK in autumn make it a great time to visit a nature reserve, particularly wetlands and coastal areas, where huge numbers of birds often gather.
In some places it’s possible to see a whirling spectacular. At RSPB Snettisham nature reserve in Norfolk, tens of thousands of wading birds gather on the mudflats of the Wash to roost and feed. During an incoming tide, these birds are pushed closer to the beach and on especially high spring tides, vast flocks of Knots, Dunlins and Oystercatchers take to the skies in a mesmerising commotion of whirling wingbeats.
6. There are ‘new’ birds to see in our countryside and gardens.
The berries, seeds and nuts found on our trees and shrubs draw in winter thrushes and finches.
Fieldfares and Redwings can be found feasting on berries such as Hawthorn, Holly and Rowan; while Bramblings are members of the finch family that fly in from Scandinavia to forage for nuts, berries and seeds.
How to identify the UK’s thrushes
7. What we see matters!
The theme for World Migratory Bird Day is ‘Every bird counts – your observation matters’. As we explore in Every bird matters, there’s no doubt that citizen science has and continues to boost our understanding of migratory birds.
One way you can help is by sharing your sightings via BirdTrack. This project looks at the migration and distributions of birds throughout Britain and Ireland, and is organised by the BTO in partnership with the RSPB, Birdwatch Ireland, the Scottish Ornithologists' Club, and the Welsh Ornithological Society (Cymdeithas Adaryddol Cymru).
