What to look for in February161

As the days lengthen in February, there are many signs of Spring and new life. Birds are engaged in energetic courtship display, some of the most spectacular involving ducks and mute swans. Grey herons return to their nest colonies and are busy collecting twigs to rebuild their nests. Meanwhile around the UK's coasts, wader flocks build up to peak numbers on estuaries and bays. February is also a good month to spot flocks of snow buntings, feeding on shorelines and saltings. With snow on the ground, especially in upland areas, tracks make elusive species such as the otter easier to locate, while squirrels and voles must actively forage to survive. In woodlands and hedgerows the first wildflowers emerge, and both hazel and willow catkins can be seen, while more moths are on the wing and fungi such as the scarlet elf cup decorate the forest floor.