January – the time of year when the days are short, the temperatures dip below freezing, and storms can feel relentless. But if you take a moment to look out across our coasts, you’ll notice something remarkable: it’s the busiest time of year for birds. So why do they flock here for the winter?
While our winters might feel harsh to us, they’re like a summer holiday compared to where many of these birds have come from, the Arctic Circle.
Take the Taymyr Peninsula in Siberia, for example, a key nesting ground for many migratory species.
Right now, it’s around -35°C; the ground is frozen solid, daylight is limited, and life is completely inhospitable. No wonder they decide to head south.
The Taymyr Peninsular – in summer!
Most Arctic migrants begin to arrive in October and November, though some may have delay their journeys if autumn is mild and food remains plentiful.
But by the new year, any late-migrating birds will have arrived, making this the perfect time to spot large flocks along the Solent coast.
Cold snaps bring across regular yearly visitors like dark-bellied brent geese, dunlins and black-tailed godwits in vast numbers. Have a look below to see if you recognise any of these familiar faces.
Dark-bellied brent geese
Ten percent of the global population of these much-loved geese spend the winter months on the Solent coastline.
Brent geese are known to use several stop-off destinations on their route down to the Solent, which involves flying in small family groups, that often leapfrog each other. Ranger Tony wrote a fantastic deep-dive into their humongous journey, that covers around 6,000 miles every year – read Tony’s in-depth feature on brent geese here.
Dunlins
Black-tailed godwits
Black‑tailed godwits seen along the Solent spend their summers breeding in Iceland.
During winter they separate from their partners, often living more than 1,000 km apart. When spring arrives, these long‑distance travellers return to Iceland, where pairs reunite for the nesting season.
Surprise guests
Not only do we get regular visitors, but recent shifts in European populations have introduced some surprise guests too. Species such as spoonbills, glossy ibis, and white-fronted geese are increasingly crossing the channel to enjoy the Solent’s reliable food supply.
So why travel all the way to the Solent?
Its sheltered waters, protected by the Isle of Wight, and sea-regulated temperatures make it a haven for wintering birds – a final stop where conditions are far less extreme than the frozen Arctic.
Spoonbill
Glossy ibis
White fronted geese
Midwinter birdwatching tips
If you’re heading out on a coastal walk this January, here are a few quick tips to make the most of your birdwatching:
Coastal birds follow the tides rather than daylight hours, so your best chance of spotting them in large numbers is during a rising or falling tide. When the water is at its highest or lowest, many species take the chance to rest and conserve energy, in something called a high-tide roost.
Don’t let wet weather put you off – coastal birds are certainly not deterred. Their waterproof feathers keep them warm and dry even in the rain. Just make sure you wrap up well yourself just like a wader, as the coast can often be chilly and breezy even on mild days.
