And although it may not be picnic weather, winter is no exception. Their population has since swelled but while they’re secretive in summer, they gather as noisy flocks in winter. Wilderness Scotland’s Winter Wildlife holiday includes a full day in the Cairngorms Mountains; you’ll also visit wetlands and Caledonian pine forest to boost your species count. Their honking calls are a highlight of winter days at Slimbridge, a Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust reserve beside the River Severn (from £19; wwt.org.uk). Start at the Welsh Wildlife Centre to ask about recent sightings, then head out to try your luck from the viewing hides (free; welshwildlife.org).

Source: The Times December 24, 2025 16:24 UTC