UK gardeners urged to look out for one bird as snow forecast looms

Redwings are the UK’s smallest true thrush and are rarely seen in gardens – but they will turn up when it’s snowingAlex Evans Deputy Audience Editor and Maddy Baillie Content Editor

13:15, 30 Oct 2025Updated 13:25, 30 Oct 2025

Redwings usually only visit people’s gardens when it’s snowing or bitterly cold(Image: Gary Chalker via Getty Images)

Snow could be heading to the UK this weekend, with the first predictions of winter flurries landing this week, according to some weather forecasts.

Whenever the snow does make an appearance, garden owners are being encouraged to look out for a rare bird that typically shows up when it’s snowy or extremely cold.

This isn’t some mythical creature, but redwings. As the smallest true thrush in the UK, redwings usually only visit people’s gardens when it’s snowing or bitterly cold.

This is because when snow and ice cover fields, they can no longer access their primary food source of worms and slugs.

Instead of wandering through farm fields, hedgerows and the countryside, redwings resort to scavenging in gardens during chilly and snowy conditions, reports the Express.

Garden experts at Pergolux UK explain: “A winter visitor to the UK, Redwings make an appearance in winter time and are the UK’s smallest true thrush.

“They can be found roaming across the countryside and hedgerows, and very rarely visit gardens unless there’s any snow covering in fields. Keep an eye out for appearances in the garden during the next snowfall.”

To assist these hungry redwings, gardeners are being advised to leave out sliced apples.

Redwings are fond of apples, particularly when food is scarce. Simply cut apples in half and leave them on your lawn.

As ground feeders, redwings are more likely to eat food left on the grass rather than high up on tables and hanging feeders.

The Woodland Trust has said: “As redwings only visit the UK during the winter, this is the time to be on the lookout for them. These social birds can often be seen in flocks with fieldfares, foraging for food.

“Having a hawthorn or rowan bush in your garden is a great way of increasing your chances of sighting one, as is leaving apples and mealworms out for them on bird feeders.

“Due to the tiny numbers that breed in the UK (usually less than 20) the redwing is classed as a Red List species of conservation concern. It is believed that climate change could ultimately cause the loss of this already small breeding population.”