What to look out for this month

Temperatures have finally dropped and birds and animals are on the hunt for extra food to keep them warm this winter. Many birds are on the move driven away by freezing weather in Northern and Eastern Europe. Already, Redwing and Fieldfare can still be seen in flocks roving around the countryside. Being by the coast, means we never know what might turn up.

Why not leave some old apples out, to see what you can attract. Putting out birdseed can also be a great way to encourage wildlife into your garden, or try leaving out some pet food and a dish of water ready for any local hedgehogs still feeding up before hibernation. There are loads of ways to stay connected to nature from your own home

What to spot this month includes

      • Robins
      • Mistletoe
      • Mistle thrush
      • Holly bursting with berries
      • Waxwing
      • Teasel seed heads
      • Jelly ear fungus
      • Common seals
      • Flocks of long tailed, blue and great tits

Tell us what you've seen

There are many more species to be spotted this month so keep your eyes peeled and don’t forget to fill in our species recording form, so we can submit your sightings to the Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre.

Sussex Wildlife Trust nature reserves to visit this month

Filsham Reedbed is a wonderful reserve that offers visitors the chance to experience life in one of the largest reedbeds in Sussex. There is a lot to see here at any time of year, but in winter the bird watching is particularly good. Starling, Pied Wagtails and Linnet all roost here, whilst wildfowl and waders such as Shoveler, Gadwall, Redshank and Snipe all feed in the shallows. Use the raised boardwalk to enter the heart of the reserve and you may even be lucky enough to hear the elusive call of a bittern or a Cettis Warbler coming from the depths of the reedbed or see a Marsh Harrier flying overhead.

Sussex Wildlife Trust Courses

Face to face events have returned, so why not see what events and courses Sussex Wildlife Trust are running this December.

Remember this month