Our wardens’ wildlife top tips for autumn and winter

Get a warden’s view on some of the best things to see in nature in autumn and winter. From fantastic flocks to high drama hunts, there’s much to enjoy.

While many of us may stay indoors on those frosty or wet autumn mornings, contemplating whether to nip outside for a walk or go for a spot of birdwatching, our wardens will already be out there cracking on with essential tasks.

These often-unseen conservation heroes devote their working days (and beyond) to ensuring that RSPB reserves remain in great condition for both nature and for visitors, all year round, and in all conditions.   

But just what really makes a warden’s day at this time of year? What spectacles, sights and sounds inspire these hardy souls as the days shorten and the leaves tumble from the trees?

We asked a few of our far-flung team to share some precious moments and pearls of wisdom…

“There really is too much to choose from but my personal favourite part of autumn and winter has to be geese!” says Mhairi MacLauchlan, warden at Campfield Marsh, Cumbria. “For me summer hangs on until the first sighting of a pink-footed goose and then you know it’s autumn. Here on the Solway we get thousands of Pink-footed Geese (pictured below) as well as Barnacle Geese.

As numbers build up throughout the winter we can see up to 40,000 Barnacle Geese on the Solway. For everyone who works, visits or volunteers here the first sight of returning Geese is such a special thing.

But it’s not all about geese; Frampton Marsh’s Toby Collett shares his seasonal highlights from the expansive Lincolnshire wetland. “When I’m cycling in to start my day, the sensation of hearing the reserve before I get to the office is a treat that warms the soul on any chilly morning. The flat arable landscape holds few surprises but to see a mixed group of wigeon, teal, lapwing and golden plover, numbering in the tens of thousands, rise as an avian cloud above the hedgerow often causes the brakes to get squeezed.

“My favourite things about autumn and winter are the changes we get to see.” explains Shetland reserves warden Beth Aucott. “Our breeding birds depart for warmer climes while wildfowl return to winter here and migrating birds use the islands as stop-off points for their epic journeys.

You are never quite sure what you will see from one day to the next – Slavonian Grebes can be seen amongst the Whooper Swans (pictured below) at Loch of Spiggie, on the right day the fields up to Sumburgh Head can be filled with thousands of Redwing and the rosa bushes are a good spot to see migrant warblers - for me a Yellow-browed Warbler is just as exciting as a mega rarity. Late autumn often sees an increase in Orca sightings too and seeing them pass around Mousa is always a special thrill!”

Does Mhairi have any advice for keeping warm while out and about during the colder months? “Plenty of layers, so you can remove some if you are doing a job like cutting something back or whacking in a fence post, but you can add some when you stop and get cold. Oh, and take a spare pair of socks. There’s nothing worse than mis-judging that puddle and having a soggy foot when you have a long walk back to the car park.”

Sartorial and snack requirements for watching winter geese in Wales? Tom tells us, “I was a latecomer to the snood but I’ve now been fully converted. It’s particularly effective against the wild winds which blast in off the Irish sea. On a really cold day you can pull it right up so only your eyes are exposed, just remember to pull it down below your nose when using binoculars or you’ll steam up. Oh, and avoid cheese and onion crisps.”  

“A great little gadget is a rechargeable hand warmer that doubles as a phone charger, which you’ll need after all the pictures and videos have sapped your battery!” says Toby. He adds “Our café will provide a cosy shelter to dry off if you get caught out by a shower. The combination of panoramic views, hot chocolate and cake may well keep you longer than a recharge though.”

Back in Shetland, Beth offers these wise words. “A woolly hat and gloves are a must for keeping you warm when out and about in the wind. Layers are also great if you’re like me and get warm when moving but chill when you stop. My top tip though would be to always have dry socks and shoes in the car. There’s nothing worse than having to drive home with soggy feet if your boots have leaked or you’ve stepped in a bog. Keep those toes toasty!”