The autumnal months encourage a flurry of activity from many species along our canals and rivers as they prepare themselves for the colder spells ahead. What wildlife will you see along canals this autumn?
Migratory birds and hungry winged visitors
During autumn, the UK sees an influx of migratory birds, such as thrushes, redwings, and the striking bohemian waxwing. These birds arrive from colder places like Scandinavia to spend the winter here.
The slightly warmer, wetter winters in our country give these birds a better chance of survival, as food is easier to find than their typical summer breeding grounds which may well be covered in snow.
If you see an unusual bird on your autumn or winter walks, it could be a redwing, fieldfare or the amazing bohemian waxwing with its unique feathering and striking plumage. These birds can be seen in small, scattered groups and our canals, even urban ones, provide good feeding areas as the hedgerows and scrub are laden with their favourite winter food – berries!
The striking bohemian waxwing has unique feathering and plumage
Acorn-loving animals
Autumn is a busy time for animals like jays and squirrels, who are busy gathering food to prepare for winter.
Both species have a fondness for acorns. At this time of year, they can be seen burying them, which will provide a welcome winter snack in the harder times ahead. The only challenge they face is to remember where they stashed them!
The rapid spread of oak trees across Britain, which happened after the last ice age, is largely credited to the jays' inability to relocate their buried snacks. These trees now provide crucial habitats and food sources for many species, especially during the colder months.
Jays are big fans of nuts - but can't always remember where they stash them
Small mammals and furry friends
Small mammals such as wood mice and bank voles find berries and nuts brilliant food sources through the colder months. These furry creatures need to stock up on food whilst it's plentiful and store it in a safe, secret place.
Sometimes, if you peer into a small hole in the trunk of a tree, you might be lucky enough to spot one of their stashes, hidden away ready for a midwinter feast. Wood mice are particularly nocturnal, making them hard to spot, but their food caches give away their presence.
A small brown vole with a short, hairless tail and fluffy body perches on a thin branch with sloe berries.
Insects and bats: the buzz of autumn
If you spot some ivy, go and have a sniff. It's not the most pleasant of scents but that punchy smell is heaven to the insects. The pollen and nectar produced by ivy is one of the last sources of these precious commodities before everything shuts down for winter.
Holly blue butterfly caterpillars feed on the plant, many birds nest among it, and bats often hide during the day between its leaves and the tree trunk.
Increasingly, we are seeing ivy bees and hornets feeding on ivy. The sounds of crickets on warm autumnal evenings comes from a variety of species, such as the oak bush-cricket, roesel’s bush-cricket, dark bush-cricket and both long and short winged cone-heads. They can often be heard coming from dense grassland, hedges, brambles and oak trees.
Any buzzing sounds to be heard are a sign that honey bees, hoverflies, wasps and hornets are also enjoying the benefits of ivy. You'll occasionally see red admirals, commas and peacock butterflies nearby too, as well as a host of moths during the night.
A peacock butterfly lands on ivy. It has bright red colouring with black markings and blue spots, resembling the 'eyes' of peacock feathers.
Best places to see autumn wildlife in the UK
Autumn is the perfect time to explore the UK’s canals and rivers and witness the seasonal changes in wildlife activity. Whether you’re a keen birdwatcher or simply enjoy a peaceful walk by the water, you’re sure to encounter fascinating species preparing for the colder months ahead.
Bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for flocks of birds, squirrels gathering acorns and the busy hum of insects feeding on ivy. Have you spotted any of these wildlife wonders this autumn?
