6 places to see birds of prey

From a kestrel hovering above a roadside verge to a barn owl drifting over a grassy field, spotting a bird of prey is always a special experience. One of the best things about these feathered predators is that they can be seen almost anywhere – practically any patch of sky could hold a circling buzzard, and sparrowhawks often venture into gardens. But some birds of prey have to be sought out, and by visiting a nature reserve you can often see several species in action. Winter is a great time to track down many of our birds of prey, with some roosting in large numbers, others attracted by gatherings of ducks, starlings or other small birds, and some even starting their courtship or territorial displays.

1 Farlington Marshes, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

Look out for kestrels and marsh harriers over this coastal nature reserve, where large numbers of migratory wildfowl gather on the water. Short-eared owls can be seen hunting over the Point Field and southern end of the main marsh. Where: Portsmouth, PO6 1UN

2 Wheldrake Ings, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

In winter, huge flocks of ducks and wading birds visit the flooded fields, often attracting the attention of peregrine falcons. Other birds to look out for include merlins, buzzards, barn owls and sparrowhawks. Where: Near York, YO19 6AX

3 Gors Maen Llwyd, North Wales Wildlife Trust

Meaning ‘Bog of the Grey Stone’, Gors Maen Llwyd is named for one particularly large stone deposited by retreating ice sheets. This heather moorland is home to buzzards and kestrels, and you might also find a hen harrier, red kite, merlin or even goshawk. Where: Nantglyn, LL16 5RN

4 Lower Test Marshes, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

This coastal marsh is a green oasis in a busy suburban environment, and a great place to see marsh harrier and osprey. During the winter months, strategically placed viewing areas provide exceptional viewing points, from which you can also see great flocks of waders and wildfowl. Where: Totton, SO40 3BR

5 Hickling Broad, Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Witness one of winter’s greatest wildlife spectacles as dozens of marsh harriers come in to roost in the reedbed at Stubbs Mill each evening. They are sometimes joined in the air by hen harriers, merlins and barn owls. The reserve is also home to roosting common cranes. Where: Hickling, NR12 0BW

6 St Catherine’s Hill, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

A dramatic 220ft climb up St Catherine’s Hill’s wooden stairs reveals showstopping views of Winchester city, as well as the Itchen Valley floodplains, where kestrels and buzzards can be seen hunting. You might also find red kites circling overhead. Where: Winchester, SO23 9PA