Autumn heralds the start of nature retreating. Trees lose their leaves, the weather gets cooler and some animals prepare to hibernate. But autumn is actually one of the best times to see a variety of birds across the United Kingdom due to seasonal migration patterns.
Read on to find out which birds will arrive in the UK this autumn and how best to see them.
Why do birds migrate?
Much like humans escaping to warmer climes for a holiday during the colder months, birds travel to different places for better weather and more food sources.
Although your average Brit might not agree, the UK has relatively mild winters – especially compared to countries at similar latitudes. So, it’s not surprising that some birds, such as waterfowl travelling from Siberia and Iceland, prefer to spend autumn and winter on British shores.
There are different types of migration patterns for birds, according to factors such as altitude and feeding. In this instance, we are looking at seasonal migration – where birds move between breeding and non-breeding ranges.
Many species of bird arrive in Britain in autumn from the north and east for the mild climate and abundance of food. The birds stay until spring and then return north and east to breed.
How can I see migratory birds in the UK?
Some species of migratory birds can be seen at your local park or even in your garden. But for the best chance of spotting unique birdlife, head to a dedicated area, such as an RSPB or WWT nature reserve.
Birdwatching can be done with the naked eye but is made easier (and more rewarding) with binoculars. The HABROK 4K binoculars from HIKMICRO offer a top solution for keen birdwatchers.
Compact and lightweight, the HABROK 4K binoculars are equipped with thermal imaging and 4K UHD digital resolution, as well as photo capture and recording capabilities. From spotting animals in low-light conditions to documenting your discoveries, each feature is designed to help you find birds with ease.
Which birds can I see this autumn?
Here are some of the migratory birds that travel to the UK during autumn. Most species arrive in September or October and often stay until early spring.
Barnacle goose
Travels from: Greenland, Svalbard
Find: Scotland, Ireland and northern England
Behaviour: Grazing on farmland and wetlands
Pink-footed goose
Travels from: Greenland, Iceland
Find: East Anglia
Behaviour: Flying in a skein formation
Common pochard
Travels from: Scandinavia, Eastern Europe
Find: Across the UK
Behaviour: Diving for plants and insects
Bewick’s swan
Travels from: Siberia
Find: East Anglia, Severn Estuary, Lancashire
Behaviour: Grazing on farmland
Whooper swan
Travels from: Iceland
Find: Northern England, East Anglia
Behaviour: Grazing on farmland
Redwing
Travels from: Iceland, Scandinavia
Find: Across the UK
Behaviour: Feeding in fields and hedgerows
Fieldfare
Travels from: Scandinavia, Continental Europe
Find: Across the UK
Behaviour: Feeding in fields and hedgerows
Waxwing
Travels from: Scandinavia
Find: Across the UK but mostly north and east
Behaviour: Feeding on berries in woodlands and suburban areas
Upgrade your birdwatching experience
Cutting-edge optics technology allows you to get closer to the myriad of migratory species that visit the UK during autumn and winter.
- Thermal channel finds more: Innovative thermal technology allows users to detect and locate birds even in challenging low-light or dense environments. Find birds more easily at dawn, dusk, through foliage and even in total darkness.
- 4K UHD digital resolution sees more: 4K channel produces high definition images in vivid full colour, allowing you to observe birds in fine detail, even at twilight or in early morning.
- EIS Image Stabilization Algorithm: Maintains precision and ensures steady images, even when using the 4x digital zoom. Follow birds flying in formation or observe feeding behaviours with ease.
- Capture and record as you go: Recording capabilities allow you to capture images and footage of your findings in one click. Document migratory flight paths, record behaviours and bird calls and build an archive of sightings.
Get closer to nature with the HABROK 4K binoculars.
Take part in the HIKMICRO #AutumnBirdWatch on social media for the chance to win a HABROK 4K device. Find out more here.
The promoter of this competition is HIKMICRO. Competition closes on 15 October 2025. Terms and conditions apply – see the HIKMICRO Instagram post for full details.
