Nature's calendar: October

Despite its name the Bearded Tit isn’t actually a tit, nor is it bearded! Scientists think these little birds are actually more closely related to larks, and as for their appearance, there’s not a beard in sight. Instead, males have wonderfully drooping black markings that look a bit like a handlebar moustache – picture Hulk Hogan the wrestler and you’re on the right lines! Females don’t have this characteristic moustache, but have a delicate pale face and pale ginger back and tail feathers. 

Bearded Tits are usually elusive and spend their time hidden deep within reedbeds in parts of England, Wales and Scotland, with only their distinctive pinging calls giving a clue to their presence.  But at this time of year, they venture out into the open more, making it the perfect time to try and spot them. 

So why the change in behaviour? Well, it’s partly down to their diet. During spring and summer, Bearded Tits feed on invertebrates, but in the colder months when minibeasts are harder to find, their menu switches to reed seeds. Without teeth to help them crunch through these seeds, they have to leave the dense reeds to find grit to eat, which helps them grind up their food.  

We have special grit stations at many of our reedbed reserves, including Leighton Moss and Lakenheath Fen, to increase your chances of seeing of these beautiful birds.  

The breeding season might be over for most species, but things are only just hotting up for Red Deer. Right now, Red Deer stags will have one thing on their minds – mating – and they’ll be doing everything they can to protect their group of females and scare off any rivals. The sight of these testosterone-fuelled stags thrashing through the undergrowth, bellowing and clashing antlers is one you’ll remember forever. 

You can see this spectacle for yourself at some of our nature reserves, including Forsinard Flows and Minsmere. If you fancy getting even closer to the action, RSPB Minsmere offer special deer rut safaris in 4x4s, to take you off the beaten track.  

Weighing in at an average of just 6g – that’s the equivalent of about six paperclips – Goldcrests are the UK’s smallest birds. But what they lack in size, they definitely make up for in colour, with the striking flash of golden feathers on their head. 

These dainty birds spend most of their time flitting around the branches of trees, looking for insects, and are particularly at home amongst conifers and in mixed woodland. You could spot them in parks and gardens with large trees too. Remember to listen out for their high-pitched ‘tsee-tsee’ call. 

There are Goldcrests in the UK all year round, but autumn and winter are particularly good times to catch a glimpse of them, as their numbers are boosted by birds arriving from Scandinavia and Russia. In the past, people found it so hard to believe that tiny Goldcrests could fly across the North Sea that they thought these mini migrants must hitch a ride on the back of Woodcocks, which reach the UK at about the same time. As a result, they become known as ‘Woodcock pilots’! 

Nowadays, thanks to ringing studies, we know that these amazing little birds can, and do, make the journey unaided. A truly impressive feat.  

Autumn is a busy time for Hedgehogs, who will be on the hunt for minibeasts, like worms and beetles, to help them fatten up ready for hibernation. The more weight they can put on, the better chance they have of surviving the winter, so why not help them by putting out a plate of meaty cat food or special Hedgehog food? It’s best to avoid feeding mealworms as – although Hedgehogs love them – they can lead to painful bone problems. Thirsty Hedgehogs will also appreciate a dish of water. Don’t be tempted to put out milk though, as it gives them an upset tummy.

As well as piling on the calories, Hedgehogs will be on the hunt for a cosy place to curl up for their long winter sleep. In the 1950s, there were an estimated 30 million Hedgehogs in the UK, but recent estimates suggest there are less than a million left. By providing a Hedgehog home you can give them somewhere safe for them to shelter, hibernate and, come the warmer months, to raise hoglets.

If you’re handy with a hammer, you could try making your own Hedgehog house by following our handy guide (click the ‘Give a hog a home button near the top of the page to download the full instructions and diagram). Alternatively, the RSPB shop sells some great ready-made options.  

Redwings are small thrushes that migrate to the UK from colder climes, including Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia. These birds fly in under cover of darkness and if you head outside on a still night, you may hear them overhead, calling to each other with a soft ‘seep seep’. They arrive in their thousands and can be heard all over the UK, typically from late September through October.

They make the journey to our shores to feed on berries and during the day you might spot them alongside other birds, such as Starlings and Fieldfares, in trees and hedges. Look for small thrush-like birds with a rusty red patch under their wings and a white stripe above their eyes. 

Another member of the thrush family that winters in the UK is the Fieldfare. These birds migrate in vast numbers from their breeding grounds in northern and eastern Europe. Like Redwings, they feast on berries in the countryside, along hedgerows and in parks. With their brownish speckled bellies, they look a bit like Song Thrushes, but can be told apart by their distinctive blue-grey heads. Listen too for their chuckling ‘chack, chack, chack’ call.

The number of Fieldfares flying in varies each year, depending on how the berry crops fair nearer their breeding grounds, with more birds heading to the UK if the crop is poor.  

RSPB nature reserves are some of the best places for wildlife in the UK. And with more than 170 to choose from right across the UK, you’re sure to find a site to suit you, whether you’d like to take in the golden colours of an autumnal woodland or enjoy simply enjoy a cuppa at a café with a view.  

Find a place to visit 

Many of our nature reserves run events, offering you a unique opportunity to see and connect with nature. This month you could enjoy a guided wildlife walk, have a gander at wintering geese and discover fascinating fungi.  

Choose an event