Print pageSeasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
In spring you can hear the bubbling call of curlews displaying on territory over their moorland nest sites, skylarks and meadow pipits displaying. Listen out for the familiar sound of the cuckoo.
Summer
In summer you might see hen harriers hunting over the heather moors, merlins in pursuit of pipts and larks and short-eared owls quartering the reserve.
Autumn
Migrant birds arrive for winter, and you can see waders and birds of prey hunting.
Winter
This is the time to see wading birds flocking - if there's a commotion, it probably means there's a bird of prey after them.