Creature Habits
Oct
As autumn creeps in for another year, here’s what members of our local wildlife are up to during the darkening months
Grey Squirrel
Grey squirrels scurry busily in autumn, caching acorns and beech nuts in countless hiding places. Their acrobatics among thinning branches bring energy and bustle to woodlands preparing for winter’s stillness.
Hedgehog
Hedgehogs forage frantically in autumn, eating insects, worms, and fruit to build fat reserves. They prepare nests from leaves and grass, ready for hibernation. Spotting one snuffling through gardens at dusk is a seasonal highlight before winter’s sleep begins.
Grey Seal
On the rocky coasts of Wales, grey seals give birth to fluffy white pups in autumn. Mothers nurse them on secluded beaches while males compete offshore. Colonies are noisy, smelly, and unforgettable, offering one of autumn’s most memorable wildlife spectacles.
Barn Owl
Hauntingly beautiful, barn owls hunt voles and mice across autumn fields at dusk. Their ghostly, silent flight and heart-shaped face add mystery to the season. With fewer leaves during the autumn season, they’re easier to glimpse gliding low over hedgerows and meadows.
Robin
Often associated with the winter season, robins grow more visible in autumn as their territories are fiercely defended. Their bright red breasts stand out among the falling leaves and their liquid, melancholy song continues even as other birds fall silent, perhaps symbolising resilience in transition.
Badger
Badgers stay active in autumn, feasting on earthworms, fruit, and nuts. They clean out setts and line them with leaves for winter comfort. On crisp evenings, families forage together under fading daylight and rustling woodland canopies.
Tawny Owl
Tawny owls dominate the autumn night with their familiar ‘twit-twoo’ calls. Autumn is peak courtship season, so their eerie voices echo through woodlands. Well camouflaged against bark, they’re often unseen by day but unmistakably heard after dark. Their excellent night vision and silent flight make them formidable hunters, swooping on unsuspecting rodents, frogs, and small birds under autumn skies.
Mountain Hare
On Welsh uplands such as the Brecon Beacons, mountain hares prepare for winter by growing thicker coats throughout the autumn. Though less snowy-white than their Scottish relatives, they remain elusive. Their sudden dashes across heather moorland add excitement to autumn walks.
Raven
Ravens, with their deep croaking calls, are common across Welsh hills and mountains in autumn. These intelligent birds perform aerial acrobatics over valleys. As leaves fall, their dark, commanding silhouettes against pale skies evoke ancient folklore and mystery. Ravens often mate for life, and in autumn pairs can be seen working together to forage or defend territory. Their remarkable intelligence includes problem-solving and even playful behaviour.
Salmon
In autumn, Atlantic salmon return to Welsh rivers like the Usk, Wye, and Teifi to spawn. They leap upstream against roaring currents, a spectacular display of strength. This annual migration is vital for the survival of future generations. Many salmon die after spawning, leaving vital nutrients in rivers that enrich the ecosystem for other wildlife. Their epic journey from sea to river has made them a symbol of resilience and renewal.
