Why Bird Watching is a great activity for your Northumbrian Cottage Holiday

So you are planning a cosy cottage holiday in Northumbria this year and are now starting to think of activities to do while there. Well the die hard bird watchers out there may already know this, but Northumbria is one of the best regions in the UK for birds.
Over 400 species have been spotted in the area, including some very rare birds and now extinct birds.
The reason that there is such a diverse range of birds in the area is due to Northumberland's varying habitats. The county enjoys rocky coasts to mountainous Moreland.
But depending on what season you will be staying in your cottage, will affect what birds you are likely to see. We will now look at the four seasons and what you can expect.

Spring
Summer migrants make there way to the area in spring to breed. The wooded areas will be home to finches, thrushes, warbles and redstarts. The moor areas will see Goshawks, Peregrine Falcons and Merlins. The coasts will see Gannets, Auks and Whimbrels.

Summer
This season is well known for the breeding seabird colonies on the Coquet and Farnes Islands. You will also be able to spot puffins at these areas as they come in huge numbers during the summer. Northumbria boasts the largest Arctic Tern colony in the UK and also has large colonies of breeding Guillemots.

Autumn
Autumn is the season that bird watchers look forward to as it is migration season. Hot spots like Whitburn and Hartlepool often get rare birds from Europe and Asia due to easterly winds. But one of the most stunning sights, is when the commoner migrants arrive and cover the beaches.

Winter
Like all the seasons, winter is great for bird lovers. Long tailed duck can be seen on the coast in places like Ross links and Bamburgh Beach. Waders such as Grey Plover and Knot gather at Lindisfarne. If you venture to the many lakes and reservoirs, then you can expect to see herds of Swans.

So whatever month you come and visit Northumbria for a combined cottage holiday and bird watching trip. You can expect to see some amazing birds. Wildlife lovers will also be pleased to know they will also be likely to see plenty of Squirrels and Otters.

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This article was written on behalf of Northumbrian Cottages who offer Northumberland Cottage accommodation and Scottish Borders Cottages