As November sets in, some UK animals may retreat into hibernation, but an abundance of our wildlife is still out to discover throughout the colder months. While some UK native species remain active, making the most of winter for hunting and mating, migratory species from Scandinavia arrive to enjoy the milder British climate. Below, we’ve created a guide to the animals you’re likely to spot this November and the best locations for sightings. As always, remember to respect the wildlife and their habitats while you’re out exploring.

Migratory birds to watch in November

Whooper swans, migrating south from Scandinavia, are a captivating sight in the UK throughout autumn and winter. Each November, these striking birds seek out milder climates, reminding us that while we may feel the chill, they’re enjoying a relatively “warm” holiday! With their elegant, long necks and distinctive black beaks marked by a yellow triangle, whooper swans are easy to recognize. Like other swan species, they have bright white feathers and are often found in large wetlands and estuaries. You might even catch a glimpse of them flying in their iconic V-formation overhead as they search for the perfect place to settle.

 Another pair of winter visitors from Scandinavia, the fieldfare and redwing, make their way to the UK in search of milder weather and abundant food sources. The noisy and gregarious birds are often heard and seen in the UKs orchards and around hedges filled with berries, attracted by the rich autumn harvest. Fieldfares and Redwings are often seen together so the easiest way to tell them apart is when they are flying in a flock, fieldfares display bold white flashes under their wings, while redwings, true to their name, show a striking red patch beneath their wings. Keep an eye (and ear!) out for these colourful guests as they settle into the British landscape for the season.

Birds to watch in November

Native UK birds can be just as captivating to spot as their migratory counterparts. With Christmas approaching, robins are especially iconic—not only on holiday cards but also in their natural habitats, adding a touch of seasonal cheer to winter landscapes. While they might look cute, robins are very territorial and will chase off intruders whilst singing loudly from high vantage points. Many robins stay in the UK year-round, but we do get some visitors from Russia and Eastern Europe to escape harsh winners. Robins can be an easier bird to spot as they enjoy staying in gardens, you won’t even have to leave your home to see them! They enjoy the seeds that some people place out for them and insects found in gardens, they can also be spotted in many other places including parks, woodlands, fields, and hedgerows. 

As November’s leaves fall, birds become easier to spot against the bare branches. This is an ideal time to look out for barn owls, which may be seen perched on branches or fence posts, hooting into the night. In colder weather, barn owls conserve energy by hunting from lower perches rather than flying continuously. Although they’re typically nocturnal, the shorter daylight hours and chill often prompt them to start hunting earlier, making evening sightings more common. For the best chance of spotting a barn owl, head to fields and hedgerows on calm, still evenings, the perfect conditions for their hunting. Listen closely for their distinctive high-pitched screech as they move through the evening landscape this November.

Mammals

As winter approaches, foxes become especially active. November is when young foxes and vixens often branch out to establish their own territories, leading to increased activity, and sometimes skirmishes, among foxes. Though mainly nocturnal, foxes shift toward crepuscular habits in winter, meaning they’re most active around dawn and dusk. With the earlier sunsets, this makes evening fox sightings more common. Consider placing out WildThings fox food to attract foxes to your garden and support their energy needs through autumn and winter, which can be purchased directly from the Pet Range website. During the day, foxes often rest in sunny spots to stay warm and conserve energy, so keep an eye out for their thick orange coats soaking up the autumn sun.

Another active animal this November is the UK’s red deer. During October and November, rutting season is in full swing, with stags displaying impressive behaviours to attract doe and establish dominance. This season brings a flurry of activity as stags engage in dramatic sparring matches, creating an incredible spectacle to witness from afar. Because of the heightened aggression, it’s best to observe red deer from a safe distance—using binoculars is ideal—and if you feel at all threatened, retreat calmly. Deer are most commonly seen in forests and woodlands, though they also roam fields in autumn. With proper precautions, November offers a unique opportunity to see these magnificent animals in action.

This November, red and grey squirrels are a familiar and lively presence in the UK’s trees and parks as they prepare for winter. Busy from dawn to dusk, these little acrobats spend the month gathering food and seeking out mates in preparation for spring. By now, they are sporting their winter coats, making their tails extra bushy as they dart up and down tree trunks. Spotting the difference between the two is easy, red squirrels are smaller, with distinctive ear tufts and a rich, russet colour, while grey squirrels are larger and, of course, grey. Look up this month, and you are likely to see squirrels energetically foraging, leaping between branches, and adding some seasonal charm to the November landscape.

Insects and other creatures

If insects aren’t your thing, you might want to skip ahead, as November is prime time for certain bugs to make their way indoors! One of these is the winter moth, which becomes active as temperatures drop. Unlike most moths, which need warmer weather, male winter moths can tolerate nearly freezing temperatures, thanks to a body structure that conserves energy, a small, light body paired with large wings that make them efficient fliers. The females, however, have short, non-functional wings and remain grounded, relying on scent to attract males. As the evenings grow darker, male winter moths are drawn to the lights in our homes, so don’t be surprised if a few find their way inside this month!

Another insect that might pay a visit this November is the ladybird. As winter sets in, ladybirds search for a warm place to hibernate, and our cosy homes can be a perfect retreat from the harsh outdoor temperatures. Ladybirds often gather in clusters to conserve warmth, so you may find a small group taking shelter indoors. If you encounter them, gently scoop them up with a soft brush or a leaf and place them in a sheltered spot outside; the fresh air and warmth will help them wake up and locate a suitable hibernation site, often joining other ladybirds nearby.

Marine life

In November, grey seals can be spotted along the UK’s coastline, where beaches and rocky areas become nurseries for seal pups during pupping season. You might hear seals before you see them, they communicate by clapping their flippers and making a ‘singing’ sound to ward off predators and attract mates. Look for seals in quieter, rocky areas along the coast, where they gather away from human activity. Adult seals have speckled grey or even black fur, while their adorable pups are born with soft, creamy white coats. To observe them responsibly, keep a respectful distance, stay quiet, and use binoculars. 

 The UK coastline is also a prime spot for seabird sightings this November, with species like curlews and oystercatchers making the most of winter’s rich food sources. Oystercatchers, with their striking black and white colouring, often nest on shingle beaches or short grassland, and can be spotted along the shore hunting for cockles or resting on the sand. Curlews, the UK’s largest wading bird, are easily recognized by their distinctive long, curved beaks, which they use to forage for shrimp, shellfish, and crabs on tidal mudflats, saltmarshes, and estuaries. Many curlews migrate from Scandinavia to the UK for our milder winters, although their breeding population here has been in decline. Preserving natural habitats is essential to support curlews during the breeding season and to maintain the health of our wetlands for all species.

Tips for wildlife watching

When heading out to observe the UK’s November wildlife, it’s essential to respect the animals and their habitats. Here are a few key tips to help you have a responsible and rewarding wildlife-watching experience:

• Be quiet and calm: Move slowly, avoid loud noises, and wear muted colours to blend into the environment.
• Stay hidden: Use natural cover like trees or bushes to avoid startling animals.
• Go early: Dawn and dusk are ideal times for spotting wildlife, as many animals are most active while foraging.
• Use binoculars: Binoculars let you observe animals from a safe distance, ensuring you don’t disturb them.
• Be mindful of young animals: Parents with babies can be easily stressed, so keep your distance and avoid sudden movements.
• Leave no trace: Take everything you brought with you and leave nothing behind—except food intended for animals, if appropriate.

These simple guidelines will help ensure a safe, respectful experience for both you and the wildlife.