Despite the challenges of the cold and wet, winter can be a wonderful time to watch a range of wildlife. A particular highlight at this time of year are the ducks, geese and swans that frequent the plethora of wetlands we have throughout the Trent Valley, thanks to the pull of the river and the long history of sand and gravel extraction in its floodplain. The River Trent forms a natural way-marker, guiding birds on migration and now drawing them to the man-made flooded gravel pits that have supplemented and replaced natural floodplain habitat.
Winter delivers the highest numbers of wetland birds and on top of the sheer spectacle of numbers, male ducks, known as drakes, are resplendent in their brightest plumage. The season also provides opportunities to see and enjoy non-resident species such as whooper and Bewick’s swans that migrate here from Scandinavia and Russia to take advantage of our relatively mild winters.
Large numbers of ducks and geese often gather each winter at many sites throughout the Trent Valley, with North Notts – a particularly happy ‘hunting’ ground for wildlife watchers with areas such as Idle Valley Nature Reserve and the Idle Washlands – favoured by many species. If you’re planning a visit, look out for flocks of migratory geese or flocks of less common ducks such as goldeneye, goosander and pintail.
In addition to the seasonal changes in wildlife, walks at this time of year throw up other ways to spot nature. A walk after a dusting of snow opens up the prospect of spotting the tracks of mammals such as fox, deer, badger and even otter. A heavy frost can also transform even the most ordinary and familiar of sites into a winter wonderland – with grasses, hedgerows and even leaves on the ground bedecked with dazzling crystalline decoration.
Whilst any dusting of frost can enhance a natural scene, crisp, cold nights can throw up the prospect of a particular winter wonder – hoar frost. Whereas a normal frost is formed when water vapour condenses of an object and freezes, a hoar frost occurs when water vapour in the air settles on an object that is already below freezing point. This creates beautiful feathery crystal formations on twigs, branches and even structures such as gates and can be so thick that at first, it appears that a dusting of snow has landed – glistening white and even silver in the morning light. Unless the temperature has dropped particularly low, you’ll need to be out early to catch it as the morning sun, so vital to bringing this glistening display to life, soon melts it away.
With so many wetland sites to choose from in the Trent Valley, it’s a good idea to check for local bird sightings on the Nottinghamshire Birdwatchers website – www.nottsbirders.net – a wonderful local resource which can help you plan a day’s wildlife watching. Details of all Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves, campaigns and volunteering opportunities can be found at www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org.
Image: Mike Vickers