JANUARY
Last of the Grey Seals, big numbers of birds on the Wash, Wildfowl on inland lakes, gravel pits and estuaries. A great time to go looking for Roe Deer at dusk in their favoured sites.
FEBRUARY
Dependant on the weather what is happening, good for farmland birds and raptors at their regular roost sites. A good chance to try and connect with the secretive Otter.
MARCH
First visible signs of migration, departing winter species and early arrivals. Longer days and a bit more interest.
APRIL
Migration gets underway with a stream of arrivals at a host of sites. Spring birdsong setting a new challenge to nature watchers with the exception of the unique song of the Nightingale. A great chance to look for early spring flowers in the woods and verges.
MAY
The last of the summer migrants arrive with maybe one or two rarities included. Bluebells are at their very best early in the month. All birds settling into their breeding routine. A great chance to brush up on your native Tree and Shrub identification. Woodlands are at their very best at this time. Early season damsels and dragonflies are on the wing with the Hobbies the magnificent aerial predator hot in pursuit. It is also the best month to watch raptors such as Red Kite and Buzzards soaring on the thermals.
JUNE
The month when wildflowers are at their peak in the meadows and protected roadside verges and well worth a viewing. Time to watch the aerial antics of the newly fledged Peregrines in the skies around Lincoln Cathedral.
JULY
Planning ahead and booking well in advance this might be the time to go out on the’ Boston Belle’ on the Wash and enjoy the Lincolnshire Coastline from a completely different perspective . It is the time for the first of the returning migrants.
AUGUST
A transitional month with birds moulting prior to their long migration, but it is spectacular with very high tides bringing the returning waders off the saltmarsh and onto the high tide roost sites at the coast. With many thousands of birds at close quarters many in their splendid breeding plumage it is something not to be missed. This is both a great time to brush up on your wader ID skills and also brings good photographic opportunities
SEPTEMBER
High tides continue, bird numbers in their thousands. Swallows and martins gather prior to migration – a real change over time. For a month from mid September onwards there is always the chance of something unusual turning up on the coast. The first of the waterfowl return to their old haunts. An opportunity to revisit the verges and meadows to see the seedheads and any late flowers.The last of the late season Dragonflies.Large numbers of Avocets gather in the Humber prior to migration.
OCTOBER
Once called the season of mellow fruitfulness , lots to see and hear this month, with the deer rut , tree colour and big autumn skies over the wash . It is also a great time to connect up with Barn Owls hunting the meadows and verges in the wonderful autumnal light. Possibility of seeing an unusual migrant or two at the coast also a great time to engage in some seawatching to see Gannets , Auks and other species offshore .
NOVEMBER
Shorter days with everything settled into its winter quarters. Most of the Waterfowl have returned with many species of geese to be seen. Large flocks of finches aggregate to feed on the seedheads left over from summer. This is the time to make a visit to the Grey seal sanctuary to see the whole social and breeding structure taking place all with wonderful photographic opportunities or just enjoy the experience in its own right. There is the added bonus of connecting with some special shoreline species such as the Snow Bunting.
DECEMBER
Although this is the month of the shortest days it is not lacking in wildlife opportunities. An onshore wind will bring overwintering coastal birds such as diver species in closer for observation. Its also a great time to have a drive and look around farmland for overwintering species. There is the chance of connecting with elusive reedbed species such as Bittern and Water Rail. It is also a good month for looking for raptors with Short Eared Owls being one of the highlights. Again with careful fieldcraft we may see Deer at dusk leaving cover to feed on the grasslands.
