November brought a remarkable close to the autumn season at the Millennium Country Park. As temperatures dropped and the landscape shifted to familiar winter traits, the Park came alive with flocks of winter migrants arriving from the north - and even a very special visitor from much farther afield. 

With the highest November species count ever recorded, our volunteer birder Bob Hook logged an exceptional 87 species across the Park - a true celebration of seasonal change. 

Published 10th December 2025

 View full November bird list here

Winter visitors arrive in force 

The month was defined by the arrival of our classic winter migrants. Fieldfare and Redwing swept in from Scandinavia, bringing their chattering calls to the hedgerows and trees. Lesser Redpolls, Siskins, and flocks of Goldfinches filled the alders with activity, while Meadow Pipits dotted the rough grasslands. 

Over the wetlands, groups of Wigeon, Teal, and Shoveler settled in for the colder months, joined by elegant Goldeneye diving in the deeper waters. The return of Pink-footed Geese overhead added to the soundscape of winter, while Brent Geese made welcome appearances. 

Photo left to right: Siskin, Brent Goose, Goldfinch (photo credit: Martin Green)

Gulls, waders & wetland wonders 

It was an excellent month for gull enthusiasts. Alongside the regular Black-headed, Herring, and Common Gulls, observers noted Mediterranean, Caspian, Yellow-legged, Lesser Black-backed, and even Great Black-backed Gulls - an impressive spread of species for November. 

The fluctuating water levels also attracted waders including a standout late-autumn sighting of Golden Plover.  

Photo: Golden Plover (stock image)

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT: A Hume’s Warbler visits the Wetlands 

The star of November was undoubtedly the Hume’s Warbler - an extraordinary rarity and a first-class highlight for the Park. 

This subtle, grey-green leaf warbler breeds thousands of kilometres away in Central Asia and normally winters in the foothills of the Himalayas. To have one appear in our Wetlands Nature Reserve was a genuine privilege, drawing excitement from local birders. 

Its sharp, distinctive call helped confirm the ID, and it offered several excellent views - a truly exceptional November moment. 

Photo: Hume's Warbler

Starlings begin their winter performance 

One of November’s great seasonal spectacles began to form as Starlings gathered at dusk. Though their murmurations will build through winter, the early swirling flocks were already mesmerising – a must see if you visit the Park in the late afternoon. 

A record-breaking November 

With such a rich blend of resident birds, rare visitors, and winter migrants, November brought one of the most exciting and diverse months of bird recording the Park has ever seen - officially our highest November species count on record. 

As we move deeper into winter, there’s plenty more to look forward to. Thank you, as always, to Bob Hook for his dedicated recording, and to all who visit the Park to enjoy the wildlife that makes this landscape so special. 

 View full November bird list here

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