The Millennium Country Park in Marston Moretaine continues to be a haven for wildlife, and October was no exception. October marks a period of transition: as our summer migrants head south for warmer climates, their places are taken by winter visitors, fresh from their long journeys from northern Europe. In October 77 bird species were recorded – each one contributing to the richness and diversity of wildlife at the Millennium Country Park.

Published 7th November 2025

 View full October bird list here

Farewell to summer travellers

As the last swallows and chiffchaffs departed for sunnier skies, we said goodbye to many of the species that brought life and song to the Park through the warmer months. It may seem quieter now, but autumn’s calm skies signal the approach of winter.

 

Welcoming our winter visitors

In their place, we’ve welcomed the first of our winter migrants. The return of Fieldfares and Redwings brought excitement to the Park - their chattering calls and restless movements announcing their arrival from Scandinavia and beyond. These thrushes will spend the colder months feeding on berries and worms in our woodlands and meadows.

The magic of autumn evenings

One of the true spectacles of the season has started to unfold - Starling murmurations. As dusk falls, starlings are starting to gather above the reedbeds, swirling in mesmerising patterns before settling down to roost. It’s a breathtaking display of coordination and survival – a must see if you visit the Millennium Country Park or the Wetlands Nature Reserve in the coming months.

 

Predators and perch-watchers

Some of our raptors from previous months, such as the Hobby, have now migrated to warmer climates for the winter, but others remain a constant presence. Red Kites and Buzzards are a couple of our resident birds of prey and have been seen soaring over the Park’s meadows, while Kestrels hovered patiently in search of prey.

 

Life on the water

Flocks of Wigeon and Teal have also begun to gather on the wetlands, their whistling calls and rich plumage adding colour to the greyer days. Meanwhile, Lapwings and Snipe were spotted probing the soft ground of the Wetlands, settling in for winter.

Across the lakes and wetlands, familiar faces were seen in strong numbers - Mute Swans, Tufted Ducks, Pochard, and Mallards among them. The elegant Great Crested Grebe continued to glide through calm waters, while Cormorants perched with wings spread wide, soaking up the autumn light.

 

Looking ahead

October offered a beautiful mix of bird species at the Millennium Country Park. As we move further into November, we’ll see even more winter visitors arriving, and our Wetlands, meadows, hedgerows, and woodlands will fill with new life once again.

Next time you’re walking through the Park, take a moment to pause - listen for the chatter of Redwings, watch the dance of a murmuration, and enjoy the changing rhythms of the season.

 View full October bird list here

---

Want to get involved? 

---