1. Wild daffodils

February is a great time to look out for the national flower of Wales, the daffodil! They are among the first to flower, providing bumblebees with a welcome source of pollen, and a sign that Spring is just around the corner.

In the UK, we have 1 native species (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) that can be differentiated from their cultivated counterparts by their smaller size, 6 pale yellow petals and bright yellow trumpet. Here in Wales, we also have a subspecies known as the St David’s Day or Tenby daffodil (N. obvallaris) which are fully yellow. Both grow wild across many parts of south Wales.

Our Coed y Bwl reserve, also known as Wild Daffodil Wood, has one of the best displays of wild daffodils in Wales. These flowers fill the southern part of this ancient woodland with a brilliant carpet of yellow in early Spring.

The reserve has been closed due to ash dieback, but some parts of the reserve will temporarily reopen this month so that visitors can enjoy this spectacle! If you go to visit, please make sure to stick to the paths and parts of the reserve that are open.

2. Great crested grebes 

Love is in the air for many species at this time of year, and no mating ritual is quite as mesmerising to watch as the Great crested grebe’s mating dance.

These beautiful birds start their elaborate courtship ritual by raising their crests and flaring their throat feathers. The male and female will then start dancing together, taking it in turns to bob and shake their heads. The pair then dive in unison to find the perfect piece of weed to present to each other as a gift. If successful, this ritual will bond the pair for life, meaning they’ll go onto mate, build a nest and rear chicks together.

Great crested grebes can be seen across some of our reserves, like Teifi Marshes, so look out for this fascinating behaviour on your next visit. 

3. Weasels 

Winter months are a great time to spot small mammals like Weasels, as there’s less vegetation for them to hide in. Keep an eye out for these mischievous mustelids in February. Young males are especially active looking for potential mates and establishing territories, while females are busy searching for places to rear their young.

4. Great spotted woodpecker

The drum of a Great spotted woodpecker is something to listen out for in February as it’s one of the first sounds to signal spring is approaching. This territorial tapping let’s other woodpeckers know whose neck of the wood it is, ahead of  the breeding season. Both male and females will use their beak to drum on deadwood, up to 16 times a second! 

Look and listen out for these birds in your local woodland. Find your local reserve here. 

5. Common crossbill 

These stunning birds are one of our earliest nesters but can breed at any time of year. By nesting in winter, Common crossbill chicks can make the most of fresh pinecones in February and March. They use their distinctive crossed bills to open the pinecones and eat the seeds.

Males are a bright orange-red colour and females are a beautiful grey-green colour. Despite their colourful appearance crossbills can be hard to spot, so keep an eye at the top of conifer trees and keep an ear out for their “chitterings” as flocks move between the treetops.