Читать книгу Bill Oddie’s How to Watch Wildlife - Stephen Moss - Страница 16

January may seem cold, dark and unpromising: but, in fact, it is an excellent month to get out into the countryside and witness some of our greatest wildlife spectacles, including hordes of wintering birds, as well as a few surprises.

The first month of the year triggers all sorts of activity in the countryside, and even more so in our towns and cities, where temperatures tend to be a degree or two warmer than their surroundings. This creates a welcome oasis for many wild creatures to take refuge during the cold winter months. Spring and the breeding season may seem a long way away, but birds such as the wren, dunnock and mistle thrush are already starting to sing; while in the very mildest parts of the country, such as the coastal valleys of the southwest, wild flowers are even beginning to appear.

But for most creatures January is all about survival. So they join together in groups to find food and avoid predators, and try to make it through the lean winter months so that they can breed in the spring. The urge to find food during the short daylight hours means that many creatures are active all day long, a real advantage as they may be easier to approach than at any other time of year.

So wrap up warm, head outside and enjoy the best of winter wildlife watching.