Top 5 UK Locations Every Bird Watcher Needs to Visit

There is no denying it, we love seeing wild birds in the garden. But have you ever wondered what other birds roam beyond your fence? The UK is home to glorious colourful birds that will leave you speechless with their beauty. Whether you're partial to a Puffin or hoping to spy on a Scottish Crossbill, we've scoped out some of the UK's best spots to see them. Here are 5 locations every bird watcher needs to visit in their lifetime.

Loch Garten National Park- Perth, Scotland

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Connect with birds in the majestic Scottish forests at Loch Garten National Park, in Perth. You'll find beautiful species you wouldn't normally see in your garden and breathtaking views that leave you feeling like you're in a completely different country. The birds are so eye-catching that the RSPB has even set up a centre there with a team on hand to tell you all about the local wildlife and help you get the best pictures. An exhibition is held there daily, with CCTV screens, binoculars and telescopes so you'll have the best views of the stunning birds. There are also expert talks and family activities to keep the little ones entertained. Here are some of the local wildlife you can expect to see at Loch Garten National Park.

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Skomer Island National Nature Reserve- Pembrokeshire, Wales

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Located less than a mile off the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales, Skomer Island is truly a bird-watching gem. Even though it is home to many magnificent animals, Skomer is mainly known for its Puffins. Come April, Puffins gather here for their annual nesting season and will remain on the Island until July, when they return to the open sea for winter. Seeing this beautiful seabird should be on every bird-watchers bucket list. Watching them in their natural habitat, waddling along with their beautiful beaks, will bring you endless entertainment and joy.

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The Puffin won't be the only bird to entertain you. Throughout the year, there are always spectacular animals roaming the island. Here are just a few.

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Shapwick Heath NNR- Somerset, England

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Starlings may be notorious for eating all the bird food in the garden, but they also know how to put on a spectacular show. The Starling murmuration is one of nature’s wonders that any birding enthusiasts should see in their lifetime. Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve is one of the few places in the UK you can witness the Starling murmuration. The nature reserve covers 500ha, which homes many more wonderful creatures to see, such as: 

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Brownsea Island- Dorset, England

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Step aboard and visit the wildlife sanctuary, Brownsea Island which sits in the middle of Poole Harbour and is surrounded by dramatic views. Though the island is small, it is thriving with natural habitats, including woodland, heathland and a lagoon that has attracted plenty of wildlife. The perfect day's adventure for any birding enthusiasts and very easy to get to, you won't be disappointed visiting this location, as there is so much to see and do. Not only will you get to see magnificent birds, Brownsea Island is also one of the few places left in the UK where you can see Red Squirrels. Here are some of the other wildlife you can expect to see. 

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Blacktoft Sands- Yorkshire, England

Our last location is another RSPB gem! Blacktoft Sands is located in East Riding of Yorkshire, hiding on the south bank of the River Ouse. This magical reserve consists of six shallow lagoons and grazing marshland that hosts a diverse population of birds. More than 270 species of birds have been spotted at Blacktoft, with every season bringing different wildlife to see. Birds can be spotted along the trails around the reserve, or if you wanted a more relaxing experience, you could hide away in one of the RSPB hides to see how many birds you can spot. Here's what you can expect to see.

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