SPECIES TO LOOK OUT FOR
Red fox
Britain’s sole (and sadly much-maligned) native canid is one of our most familiar mammals, yet it only moved into our towns and cities after World War II. Now is the peak of the fox mating season, which means this is usually the best month to hear the species’ blood-curdling screams and three-stanza barks through the night.
Tawny owl
Found in many parks, squares and churchyards with large trees (and some big gardens), the tawny is the most urban of British owls. Its beautiful plumage comprises at least 50 shades of brown. The species breeds early in the year, so territorial pairs are particularly noisy in autumn and winter: listen for quavering hoots and shrill ‘kee-wick’ calls.
Waxwing
Gorgeous pinkish-brown plumage, a perky crest and unusual, wax-like feather tips make this an unforgettable bird.
Every few years, a socalled ‘waxwing winter’ sees a large influx of the wonderfully tame visitors from their Scandinavian breeding grounds. They flock to suburban ornamental trees, often dripping in berries.
Ring-necked parakeet
Dashing around the cityscape like battalions of green arrows, ring-necked parakeets are a noisy and colourful addition to the avifauna of London and Manchester, with several other cities now firmly in their sights. They have become a frequent fixture at garden birdfeeders. Originally from India, the species’ UK population exceeds 12,000 pairs.
Common frog
A familiar amphibian, the common frog can be distinguished from its toady cousin by its pointed snout, smooth skin and dark, oval pupils. Traditionally, it emerges from hibernation in early spring and returns to its breeding ponds, but towns and cities in south-west England are increasingly reporting both courtship and spawn in January.