Scotland set for bumper year for birdlife after cold weather across Europe

Experts say cold, unsettled weather across Europe is likely to send larger numbers of visiting birds to relatively mild Scottish winters, a trend noted ahead of the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch on January 23–25.

Scotland is likely to see higher numbers of visiting birds this winter after cold and unsettled weather across Europe, experts say. Scotland's winters are relatively mild compared with parts of the continent, so some migratory birds move here to seek shelter, food and water. The RSPB has said 2026 could be an exciting year for spotting more visiting birds following a recent cold spell. The forecast is being mentioned as the charity prepares for its annual Big Garden Birdwatch. Key details: - Thrushes such as Fieldfare and Redwing and berry-eating Waxwings are among species reported as likely visitors from Scandinavia, Poland and Russia. - Wildfowl frequently seen in Scottish wetlands and fields include whistling Wigeon, Whooper Swans, and geese such as Pink-footed and Barnacle Geese. - Coastal areas may see rarer visitors such as Snow Buntings and Twites. - In 2025 more than 40,000 people in Scotland took part in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch, recording over 700,000 birds of nearly 50 species; UK-wide participation exceeded 600,000 with a total of 9.5 million birds counted. - The RSPB notes the Birdwatch has run since 1979 and that over 200 million birds have been recorded by the survey in that time. Summary: If the reported movements occur, Scotland would record larger numbers of migrant and wintering birds this season, adding to national monitoring data. The RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch takes place on January 23–25 and will provide a near-term snapshot of garden and local bird sightings.