Wing Tips: What to see in August

Whether your idea of a perfect summer’s day involves a trip to the beach, lounging in the garden, or messing about on the river, there's plenty of wildlife action to catch your eye this August.

So grab your binoculars, slap on some suncream and head out in search of our top five nature highlights.

When the sun comes out, we’re not the only ones who enjoy soaking up a few rays. Keep an eye on gardens and parks this summer and you might spot a bird lying with its wings outstretched, feathers fluffed and tail fanned out. Some even tilt their head and stare dreamily into the distance, as though they’re enjoying a relaxing spa day.

Despite appearances, they’re not topping up their tan. Instead, birds like Robins and Blackbirds are thought to bask in the sunshine to keep their feathers in tip-top condition. The warmth of the sun helps spread preen oil – a natural feather conditioner produced by a gland near the tail – through their plumage. A spell in the hot sun might also help birds send pesky feather parasites packing.

You might notice birds panting like a dog while they’re basking in the sun, but don’t worry. Although it looks a bit alarming, it’s perfectly normal behaviour and simply helps them keep cool.

Visit your local pond, lake or wetland in August and you might notice something odd – all the male Mallards seem to have disappeared!

In fact, they will still be paddling around, but in disguise.

Males lose their breeding plumage, including their showy green head feathers, and grow new brownish feathers (called their eclipse plumage) once the breeding season is over, making them resemble females. Look closely though and you can tell the difference: males still have their greenish-yellow beak, while females have a brownish-orange beak.

With their dazzling blue backs and fiery orange bellies, Kingfishers are undoubtedly one of the UK’s best dressed birds. But despite their flashy feathers, they’re surprisingly hard to spot.

In fact, you're far more likely to hear one before you see it. Listen out for a sharp, high-pitched whistle, then keep your eyes peeled for a streak of blue zipping low over the water. Blink, and you'll probably miss it!

If you've always wanted to see a Kingfisher, August is a great time to try. Young birds will be leaving home in search of territories of their own, so there are more Kingfishers out and about than usual.

Your best bet is to find a quiet spot beside a river, canal or lake and let them come to you. With a bit of patience (and a lot of luck), you might spot one perching on a branch before plunging headfirst into the water in pursuit of a fish. To help them keep sight of their target as they hit the water, Kingfishers have a transparent third eyelid that acts a bit like a pair of built-in swimming goggles!

Take a stroll along a coastal clifftop this August and you might be treated to a spectacular avian airshow courtesy of the UK’s rarest member of the crow family – the Chough. With their glossy black feathers, bright red beaks and matching red legs, they’re unmistakeable – especially when they’re busting out twists, turns, tumbles and rolls that would make the Red Arrows jealous.

Late summer is a great time to see them. Family groups often stick together after the breeding season and young Choughs will be honing their flying skills, chasing each other through the air and perfecting their swooping and looping as they ride the updraughts rising from the cliffs.

Once they’ve finished showing off, you might spot them back on solid ground, probing the soil – or animal poo – for invertebrates with their long, curved beak. Rather them than us!

If there’s a bird that’s become synonymous with the seaside, it has to be the Herring Gull. Often seen patrolling piers in search of a tasty snack, these cheeky characters don’t have the best reputation. But spend a few minutes watching them and you’ll soon discover that there’s more to them than the occasional chip-related crime.

Herring Gulls, are clever, adaptable birds. They’re quick learners, expert problem-solvers and always on the lookout for an opportunity. Whether they’re dropping shellfish onto rocks to crack them open, or eyeing up unattended picnics, they’re constantly finding ingenious ways to keep their bellies full and their chicks fed. You might even see them ‘tap dancing’ – rapidly stamping their feet in the avian equivalent of the Riverdance – to create vibrations that mimic rainfall. This tricks worms into wriggling to the surface, right into the beak of a waiting gull. Clever, huh?

So next time you’re by the sea, take a moment to look beyond the chip-thief stereotype. You might just find yourself developing a newfound respect for these misunderstood birds.

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 share your photos with 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.