20/01/2026
In January, Hereford and the surrounding Herefordshire countryside are active with a mix of resident species, winter visitors from colder climates, and early nesters.
You can hear some of their dawn chorus and it is getting louder each day!
Key birds to look for include winter thrushes, water birds on the flooded Lugg Meadows and Bodenham Lake, and birds of prey.
Fanatics know these have all been seen in Hereford this month!
Winter Migrants & Special Sightings (January 2026)
Lesser Redpoll: Spotted in birch trees by the River Lugg in Leominster.
Goldcrest: The UK's smallest bird, seen in Bacton Woodlands.
Great White Egret: Observed at Bodenham Lakes and the River Lugg.
Ring-necked Duck & Goldeneye: Reported at Walford Pools/Bodenham Lake.
Hawfinch: Reported in the county.
Fieldfare & Redwing: Large numbers of these winter thrushes are present, feeding in fields and orchards.
Water Rail: Recorded at Leintwardine/Buckton Bog.
Wetlands and River Birds (Bodenham Lake, Lugg Meadows)
With winter flooding, local wetlands are bustling with activity:
Ducks: Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Pintail, Pochard, and Gadwall.
Mandarin Duck: Particularly active, with males starting to pair up.
Goosander: Often seen on rivers and lakes.
Lapwing: Large flocks (crested, black-and-white) can be seen on wetlands.
Herons & Egrets: Grey Heron and Little Egret.
Kingfisher: Spotted along river banks.
Raptors and Woodland Birds
Peregrine Falcon: Recently spotted in Eardisland.
Red Kite & Buzzards: Common, with several reported over Leintwardine.
Woodpeckers: Great Spotted Woodpecker (often heard drumming) and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.
Tawny Owl: Reported in gardens.
Marsh Tit & Nuthatch: Found in woodland areas.
Garden Birds
Finches: Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Siskin.
Thrushes: Mistle Thrush (often guarding berry-laden trees), Song Thrush.
Others: Long-tailed Tit, Dunnock, Wren, Jay, Raven.
Early Nesters
If the weather is mild, some resident birds may begin nesting activities as early as January, including Robins and Blackbirds.
Best Places to Visit: Bodenham Lake Nature Reserve, Lugg Meadows, Titley Pool, and the River Wye banks.
