Wildlife Spotting & Birding in January: Discover the Hidden Nature of the Cotswolds

When winter paints the Cotswolds in soft hues of mist and frost, nature doesn’t sleep, it simply transforms. January may seem quiet, but for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers, it’s one of the most enchanting times to explore the region’s hidden natural treasures. From frosty meadows echoing with bird calls to tranquil woodlands teeming with secret life, the Cotswolds offers a serene stage for some truly magical encounters.

The Quiet Beauty of a Winter Landscape

The Cotswolds’ rolling hills, limestone villages, and winding rivers take on a new charm in winter. Bare branches reveal the graceful silhouettes of deer, while hedgerows and riverbanks become bustling feeding grounds for overwintering birds. With fewer crowds and crisp, clear air, January invites you to slow down and tune into the subtler rhythms of nature.

Birds to Look Out For in January

Winter is prime time for birding in the Cotswolds. Migratory and resident species mingle, providing a rewarding challenge for both beginners and seasoned birdwatchers.

Key species to spot:

• Redwings and Fieldfares – Scandinavian visitors feeding on berries in hedgerows.
  
  
• Bullfinches and Yellowhammers – Adding a splash of colour to frosty mornings.
  
  
• Barn Owls – Best spotted at dawn or dusk, gliding silently over open fields.
  
  
• Kingfishers – Dazzling flashes of blue near the River Windrush or along the Thames tributaries.
  
  
• Wintering Waterfowl – At Slimbridge Wetland Centre, discover flocks of teal, wigeon, and pintail.
  
  

Bring binoculars, wrap up warm, and don’t forget a flask of something hot, many of the best sightings happen when you linger quietly.

Other Wildlife Highlights

Beyond birds, the Cotswolds’ wildlife remains lively even in the depths of winter.

• Roe and Fallow Deer roam the woodlands, often visible against the pale landscape.
  
  
• Foxes can be seen on early morning walks, their coats vivid against the frost.
  
  
• Otters may be glimpsed along quieter stretches of the Windrush or Evenlode rivers.
  
  

Top Spots for January Wildlife Watching

• • Slimbridge Wetland Centre (Gloucestershire): World-renowned for birdwatching in winter.
    
  • Chedworth Woods: Great for woodland species like nuthatches, treecreepers, and woodpeckers.
    
  • Bibury & Coln Valley: Ideal for spotting kingfishers and dipper.‍
  • Cotswold Water Park: A haven for wintering ducks, grebes, and swans.

For all the latest on what’s happening in the Cotswolds, check out What’sOn?XL in CotswoldXL Magazine.