As a co-founder of Flock Together, a London-based birdwatching collective for people of colour that organises walks across the south of England all year round, the question I am asked most often is: “Are there even any birds in winter?” It’s fair enough. Birdsong declines sharply in winter, as birds do not need to attract mates outside the breeding season; many summer visitors will have left, and there is less need to mark territory, so there is more space. However, birds wintering here are frantically looking for food. This, along with leafless winter trees, means plenty of opportunities for good sightings, wherever you are. Here are some of my favourite birds to watch in winter. Some are in the UK year-round, others migrate in for the season, and the good news is that they are all widespread in the UK – even if you live in a city, you shouldn’t have to go far to see them. Carrion crow Absolutely all over My favourite bird to watch! Gangs of these glossy all-black birds rule the streets. Living in numbers helps them ward off competitors and establish strongholds. An “everyday” bird? Yes. Unimpressive? Absolutely not. Wren Woodland, hedgerows and gardens This tiny brown bird can be identified by its cocked-up tail. They often hide under thick hedges, singing their loud, melodic song. I like to spot them in Hackney Marshes but they can be seen everywhere. Grey heron Near bodies of water Grey herons exude a pterodactyl-like energy in flight – especially when they let out their loud squawks. Standing by water, hunting for amphibians and fish, they can sometimes be so still that you question whether you’re looking at a statue. We once received a video of one spinning a rat by its tail. Long-tailed tit Woodlands, hedgerows and gardens These crazy cute, pink, black and white birds are so tiny that you might miss them – but their long tails make them easy to recognise. They are hardly ever seen alone and flocks will hop from one garden to the next, looking for hanging feeders. Short-eared owl Coastal marshlands, fields and wetlands These owls hunt by day, so you might spot them flying low above open ground. Lots arrive from Scandinavia and show themselves for the winter year after year. I like to watch them at the RSPB Rainham Marshes reserve in Essex, but they can be seen in suitable habitats from Scotland to Cornwall. Redwing Parks, gardens, and fields A true winter bird of the UK, this is a type of thrush distinguished by a red patch under its wings and an eyestripe. Thousands arrive in the UK from colder climates in late October. They feed mainly on berries and worms. The ones on my balcony came for the sliced oranges and apples I left out. Kestrel Parks, moors and fields This falcon can be seen above any open grassland where there are nearby woods. Spot them hovering as they scan the ground for prey. Jay Woods, parks and gardens Another favourite of mine, these colourful smaller crows are famous for burying acorns to eat during winter – forgotten acorns can sprout into trees. Goldfinch Parks, gardens, heathland, fields and hedgerows Easily identifiable with its yellow wing-flash and red, black and white head, this small bird is often seen on TV aerials and buildings under three storeys. We spotted them at our first Flock Together Academy for underprivileged kids – they were a big hit. Buzzard Rural habitats mostly but can sometimes be seen over green spaces in cities This majestic, mostly brown bird of prey is usually seen soaring high above open land. We were lucky enough to see one on a Flock Together walk: when it displayed its impressive wingspan and wedge-shaped tail, everybody gasped!