Catch a glimpse of some lesser-spotted birds in the UK

Migration season is upon us, making now a great time to catch a glimpse of some lesser-spotted birds in the UK.

While you may be fortunate enough to see them in your day-to-day life over the coming months, there are some locations where you can enjoy a front-row seat to the magnificent spectacle of bird migration.

The experts at FeatherSnap shared their top picks for the best places in the UK to encounter rare and migratory birds this autumn.

Spurn Point, Yorkshire

Spurn Point on the East Yorkshire coast, a short drive from Hull, is renowned for attracting thousands of migratory birds each autumn.

Birdwatchers flock to this spot each year, hoping to spot the likes of wheatears, whinchats, and the elusive ring ouzel, a species with fewer than 10,000 pairs in the UK.

In September, Spurn Point hosts its annual Spurn Migration Festival, a must-visit for those interested in learning about migratory birds. This year's festival takes place on the 6th, 7th, and 8th of September.

Even if you don't manage to observe a rare bird on your visit, the stunning scenery is sure to make for an enjoyable day out.

Fair Isle, Shetland

Fair Isle, part of the Shetland Islands, is one of the best places in the UK to spot rare and migrant birds, especially during the upcoming September and October months.

The island has recorded an impressive number of rare bird sightings and serves as a key arrival point for migratory birds from North America and Europe.

While it requires some effort to reach, it's well worth the journey for those passionate about spotting some of the rarest birds in the country.

This remote island attracts many unusual varieties of birds, such as warblers, flycatchers, and thrushes.

Isle of Portland, Dorset

The Isle of Portland, located on the Dorset coast, is a key stopover for migratory birds heading south. The island serves as an ideal point for spotting birds as they pass through the English Channel during the autumn months.

For those keen to learn more about different bird species, a visit to the Portland Bird Observatory is a must. The observatory offers a wealth of information, including tips on the best places to spot migratory birds.

Visitors are likely to see tree pipits, willow warblers, and many other lesser-seen varieties. The Portland Bird Observatory website is regularly updated with the latest sightings, giving you an idea of what sightings await you on your visit.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire

Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire is a favourite spot for migratory bird watchers in the autumn. Here, you can observe the likes of redstarts, pied flycatchers, and yellow-browed warblers as they make their way south.

This nature reserve, looked after by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, is famed for its seabird colonies. However, in autumn, migrating birds take refuge here, making it an excellent place to catch them before the year ends.

For those interested in other kinds of wildlife, the cliffs also offer the chance to spot white beaked dolphins and minke whales.

Dungeness, Kent

Dungeness, a headland coast in Kent, is visited by an abundance of bird watchers in autumn. As one of the closest areas to the European mainland, it is often the last stop for migrating birds before they leave the UK.

Red-backed shrikes, shorelarks, and yellow-browed warblers are just a few of the species you may catch a glimpse of on your visit. Many species travel from as far as Siberia or Canada to the UK for the winter, where the milder climate and ample food make survival easier.