24 Apr 2015
To celebrate BBC Two's much-loved Springwatch arriving back on our screens at the end of May, the global leader of high-quality optical devices, SWAROVSKI OPTIK, has rounded up their pick of spring wildlife and the best spots to catch a glimpse of them.
Spring is often regarded as one of the most magnificent times of year in the UK to revel in nature, and SWAROVSKI OPTIK is encouraging nature lovers to spot some of Britain's best wildlife including cuckoos, swallowtail butterflies and bats.
Listen For The Cuckoo's Call In Wiltshire
A cuckoo's call is often said to be the first sign that spring has arrived. The cuckoo migrates north from Africa and the first sightings in the UK are often in the far South West and on the Isle of Scilly before moving northwards. Bird-lovers can hear their well-known call in most parts of the countryside between mid April and early May, but one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the birds is Clouts Wood in Wiltshire.
Head East To See Turtle Doves
The turtle dove is the only migratory dove in Europe and it spends winters in West Africa where it gathers in massive roosts of up to one million birds. Turtle doves migrate to the UK in April and May before returning to the warmth of Africa in July and August for the winter season. The turtle dove is a dainty bird, smaller and darker than the collared dove, and is mainly found in southern and eastern England, although they can be found as far as Wales. The best spots to look for the doves are in woodland edges, hedgerows and open land with scattered bushes such as Pensthorpe Trust in Norfolk where visitors can even adopt their own turtle dove.
Catch A Glimpse of Tortoiseshell and Swallowtail Butterflies in Norfolk
Due to global warming and warmer weather, Britain's butterfly population is emerging earlier each spring. In May, tortoiseshell and swallowtail butterflies are fully present in the UK with most species likely to be found along the south coast of England and Eastern England. Hickling Broad in Norfolk, the largest of the Broads, is a haven for wildlife and home to many insects, in particular the colourful swallowtail butterfly that can only be found in the Norfolk Broads.
Go Hawfinch Spotting At Sizergh Castle
Despite their handsome appearance and being the UK's largest finch, hawfinches are known to be shy birds and spend most of their time in tree tops, meaning they are easily overlooked within even the lightest of foliage. In spring when leaves are absent they can be observed more easily in the trees. Pay a visit to Sizergh Castle in Cumbria, one of the best places in the UK to catch a glimpse of the birds early in the morning when noise is low. Hawfinch numbers are in decline, but there is a good chance of spotting them by looking towards the floor where they can be found grazing on seeds, buds and shoots.
Sight Bats When The Weather Warms Up in London
In the UK, bats face threats ranging from predators to loss of habitat so as such, UK bats and their roosts are protected by law. Bat species are largely found on the south coast of England, with fewer species found the further north you go. Those on the lookout for bats are more likely to see them around sunset or sunrise in warm, dry weather and London's iconic Hampstead Heath is an ideal spot to catch a glimpse in the city.
Point Out a Puffin on Yorkshire's Coast
Thanks to their brightly coloured bills and distinctive black and white chest, puffins are easier to spot than a lot of other birds. Puffins spend most of their lives out at sea, but during their breeding season from late March through to late July they come on land to nest. Those looking to spot one of the birding populations' favourite species should head to the UK's west coast, the Irish coast and northern England and Scotland. Visit stunning Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire, which is home to over 200,000 nesting sea birds for a glimpse of gannets and puffins this spring.
Ogle at Ospreys in Leicestershire
Ospreys migrate north from Africa in spring, arriving in the UK during March and they can often be spotted hovering over water in search of fish to catch with their talons. Their nests are often over a metre wide and usually within 3-5 kilometres of water meaning they are never too far away from a food source. Clever ospreys will choose their breeding sites with an open area around the nest, giving them an easy landing area. Rutland Water in Leicestershire is home to the first ospreys to breed in England for 150 years and the wildlife trust also plays host to a series of walks and events around the reservoir.
For more information on SWAROVSKI OPTIK, visit www.swarovskioptik.com.
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SWAROVSKI OPTIK
SWAROVSKI OPTIK, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company's success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products and their functional and aesthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environmentally-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. The turnover in 2014 was 119 million euros (2013: 123.6 million euros) and the export ratio is 91%. The company has over 800 employees.
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