December Wildlife
December is a magical time for wildlife, as the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland and creatures adapt to the cold in fascinating ways.
In woodlands and gardens, hardy mammals like foxes, deer, and squirrels remain active, foraging for food and preparing for harsher months. Birds such as robins, goldfinches, and long-tailed tits brighten the bare branches with their vibrant plumage and cheerful calls, while others like the mistle thrush and waxwing feast on winter berries.
Meanwhile, hedgehogs hibernate, tucked away in their nests, while owls and stoats hunt under the cover of night. Evergreen plants provide shelter and sustenance for wildlife, and the iconic snowdrop begins to emerge, offering hope of spring’s return.
Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
Robins are a quintessential symbol of winter in Britain, their vibrant red breasts standing out against the frosty December landscape.
Often associated with Christmas, these charming birds can be spotted flitting through gardens, parks, and woodland edges, their sweet, melodious song bringing cheer to the colder months. Robins are remarkably friendly and curious, frequently approaching people, especially those scattering crumbs or birdseed.
December is an excellent time for wildlife enthusiasts to observe their territorial behaviour, as male robins fiercely defend their patches in preparation for the breeding season.
Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
Holly’s glossy green leaves and bright red berries bringfestive colour to the winter landscape. A symbol of Christmas tradition, holly has long been used to decorate homes, wreaths, and garlands, signifying protection and renewal. In nature, it provides vital sustenance for birds like thrushes and blackbirds, which feast on its berries during the cold months.
Holly thrives in woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens, adding a striking contrast to the muted tones of winter, while its spiky leaves offer a natural haven for small creatures seeking shelter.
Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)
The mistle thrush is a striking bird often seen and heard during December, its bold, fluted song carrying through frosty landscapes. Known for its love of mistletoe berries, which give the bird its name, it plays a crucial role in spreading this plant by dispersing seeds through its droppings.
During the winter months, mistle thrushes are highly territorial, often defending trees laden with berries from other birds to ensure their food supply lasts through the colder season.
With its speckled breast and powerful flight, the mistle thrush is a captivating sight in gardens, parks, and woodlands, embodying the resilience of wildlife in winter.
Common Yew (Taxus baccata)
The common yew is a fascinating evergreen tree with dense, dark green foliage that provides a stark contrast to the bare branches of deciduous trees. Revered for its longevity and steeped in folklore, the yew has long been associated with churchyards and ancient sites, symbolising endurance and regeneration.
In December, its bright red fleshy seed coverings, known as arils, add a splash of colour to the winter landscape and offer a food source for birds like thrushes and waxwings.
Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)
Snowdrops, often considered harbingers of spring, can sometimes emerge as early as December, brightening winter landscapes with their delicate white blooms.
These hardy flowers thrive in sheltered woodlands, gardens, and along hedgerows, their nodding heads standing out against the frosty ground. Snowdrops symbolise hope and renewal, their appearance during the darkest days of the year offering a reminder of nature’s resilience.
While their main blooming season is typically late winter, early sightings in December bring delight to wildlife enthusiasts and walkers alike. They are also valuable for pollinators like bees, providing an early source of nectar during warmer winter spells.
Stoat (Mustela erminea)
In December, stoats are a lively presence in Britain’s wintry countryside, their sleek, agile bodies making them exceptional hunters even in the coldest conditions.
Depending on the region, some stoats may sport a white winter coat, known as "ermine," which provides excellent camouflage in snowy landscapes. These energetic mammals are highly adaptable and can be found in hedgerows, woodlands, and open fields, preying on small mammals like rabbits and voles.
Stoats are solitary and territorial, often using burrows or dense vegetation for shelter. Their playful yet fierce nature makes them a fascinating sight for wildlife enthusiasts exploring the outdoors during the festive season.
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Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)
Waxwings are elegant, winter-visiting birds that often grace Britain in December, bringing a touch of the exotic to the colder months.
Recognisable by their sleek crests, soft brown plumage, and bright red and yellow markings, these birds are usually spotted in flocks, foraging for berries. Waxwings are particularly drawn to rowan, hawthorn, and cotoneaster trees, whose fruits provide vital sustenance for their migration.
Hailing from Scandinavia, they arrive in the UK when food supplies dwindle in their native habitats, sometimes in large numbers during "irruption" years.
Ivy (Hedera helix)
Ivy is a hardy evergreen plant that thrives in December, adding a splash of lush greenery to winter's muted landscapes.
Climbing walls, trees, and fences, its dense foliage provides vital shelter for birds and small mammals during the colder months. In late autumn and early winter, ivy produces small, nectar-rich flowers that are a lifeline for pollinators like bees and hoverflies when few other plants are in bloom.
By December, these flowers often transform into dark berries, which ripen into a valuable food source for birds such as thrushes and blackbirds.
Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
Scots pine is a majestic evergreen tree that stands tall and vibrant in December, its blue-green needles offering a striking contrast to the bare branches of deciduous trees.
As one of Britain’s native conifers, it plays a vital role in supporting winter wildlife, providing shelter for birds like crossbills and red squirrels, which feed on its nutritious cones. Scots pine forests create rich ecosystems, with their sturdy trunks and dense canopy offering protection from harsh winter winds.
Often associated with festive traditions, their iconic silhouette is a reminder of nature’s enduring beauty through the coldest months.
Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)
Goldfinches bring a touch of vibrancy to December with their striking red, gold, and black plumage, a colourful presence in Britain’s winter landscapes.
These sociable birds are often spotted in flocks, known as "charms”, flitting between trees and shrubs in search of seeds. Thistle and teasel heads are particular favourites, though they will readily visit garden feeders stocked with nyjer or sunflower seeds.
Their tinkling, melodic calls add cheer to the quieter months, making them a delight for wildlife enthusiasts.
Mistletoe (Viscum album)
Mistletoe is a quintessential plant of December, with its leathery green leaves and clusters of white berries adding a festive touch to the winter landscape.
This parasitic plant thrives in the branches of trees like apple, ash, and oak, often seen hanging in clusters during the colder months.
Mistletoe has long been associated with Christmas traditions, symbolising peace, goodwill, and, of course, the famous custom of kissing beneath it. Beyond its cultural significance, mistletoe also plays an important ecological role, providing food for birds such as the mistle thrush, which feeds on its berries during winter.
Long-Tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)
Long-tailed tits are delightful, small birds that add charm to the winter landscape in December. Their distinctive black-and-white plumage, with a strikingly long, fan-like tail, makes them easy to spot as they flit through trees in search of food.
Often seen in mixed-species flocks, long-tailed tits are sociable and energetic, frequently feeding on insects, seeds, and berries, which are particularly scarce in winter. Their endearing, high-pitched calls and acrobatic movements bring a sense of liveliness to the cold, frosty days.
In December, these tiny birds can be seen flitting through hedgerows and gardens, often with a sense of urgency as they prepare for the harsh months ahead, making them a favourite for wildlife watchers during the festive season.
