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
Kingfishers are easy to see as they make their flights along their breeding territories. Frogs and toads arrive to breed in their thousands. Reed and sedge warblers return and can be heard singing constantly. Little ringed plovers and garganeys arrive to breed.
Summer
See broods of different types of ducklings, including gadwalls and pochards. The nesting islands are a mass of activity as common tern and black-headed gull chicks hatch. Iridescent dragonflies bask on the boardwalks and handrails and the grasslands are alive with the bright colours of flowers and butterflies.
Autumn
Thousands of wading birds pass through Fairburn Ings on their migration, such as green sandpipers and black-tailed godwits. Large numbers of fieldfares and redwings gorge themselves on berries in preparation for winter.
Winter
Goldeneyes, smews and goosanders can be seen displaying and pairing up. Large flocks of wigeons graze on the wet grassland. Flocks of wintering waders take to the skies when a peregrine appears on the lookout for a meal.