Autumn BIRDS

We take a look at some of the best places to spot migrating birds as they make their way across the UK this season

- HELENA CARTWRIGHT

Many of us took even greater pleasure than normal in the first sightings of our migrant birds this spring, delighted to see swooping swifts while we were literally ‘grounded’. Now, as the days shorten, it’s the turn of our autumn arrivals, many of whom fly huge distances from the freezing north to winter in the UK. Here are five intrepid travellers to look out for this autumn.

Brent goose

Brent geese are small with black heads and necks, with a grey-brown back and either a pale or dark belly. If you live in southern and eastern England, you are more likely to see the dark-bellied kind, who travel from Russia. Their pale-bellied relatives breed in Canada and Greenland, and fly to Ireland, Wales and northern England. They can be spotted from October flying in groups or loose flocks, though rarely in V-formation. Look out for them on marshland, grassland or farmland where they spend the day resting and feeding, before pushing on at dusk. Spot them at Chichester Harbour Conservancy, West Sussex Where to stay Quay Quarters cottages, Chichester. From £232 for two nights; quayquarters.co.uk

Short-eared owl