You might think that living in a city puts you at a disadvantage for wildlife watching. However, did you know that even in London you can enjoy a spot of birdwatching?
For city-dwelling bird lovers, the UK’s capital can be surprisingly rich in birdlife. Here, we’ll look at some of the best places you can go birdwatching in London.
The Wash National Nature Reserve
What better place to go birdwatching than at a nature reserve? London is home to the Wash National Nature Reserve, the largest nature reserve in England. You can easily catch a train to Kings Lynn near where the reserve is based.
It is particularly renowned for its range of wildfowl and waders. Expect to see species such as oystercatchers, curfews and Brent geese. As well as birds, the reserve is also home to one of the biggest populations of common seals.
London’s parks
You’ll also find plenty of birdwatching opportunities in London’s parks and open spaces. Even the parks in the centre of London can be a hotspot for bird life.
Regent’s Park is a great example, giving you the chance to see the likes of grey herons, tufted ducks, the red- crested pochard and the grey wagtail. There is even a designated walk you can go on to increase your chances of seeing the most birds on your visit.
You can also spot different bird species in open spaces such as Hampstead Heath and Little Wormwood Scrubs. These open spaces are home to more than 200 different species of birds.
Wetlands and waterways
There are a number of wetlands and waterways you can visit in and around London. The Thames is the best place to head to for a spot of birdwatching. Here, you’re likely to see cormorants, ducks and gulls.
You could also head to the Barking Riverside when the tide is low and the mud flats are exposed. Or, why not walk along the capital’s canals or visit an estuary?
These are just some of the best places you can go to experience London’s bird life. However, it’s also possible to spot birdlife on the main streets of the city. Birds such as pheasants, woodcocks and ducks have all been spotted in London’s main high streets. So, wherever you go, there’s a chance you’ll get to see both common and rare bird species.
