Seasons: December

This large shieldbug lives up to its name, bristling with long pale hairs. It's a common sight in parks, hedgerows and woodland edges in much of the UK.

This glossy wading bird is a scarce visitor to the UK, though records have become more common in recent decades.

This hefty diving bird is a winter visitor to the UK, where it can be seen around the coast or occasionally on large inland lakes.

A rare breeder in the UK, this sooty-coloured bird is as at home on an industrial site as it is on a rocky cliff face.

This small, white heron is an increasingly common sight in parts of the UK as it spreads north from continental Europe.

This small duck is an uncommon winter visitor to the UK, where they're usually found on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits.

This large shrike visits the UK in small numbers each year, passing through on migration or spending the winter here.

You've probably spotted this long-legged spider hiding in the corner of a house or building.

These winter visitors are close relatives of the chaffinch and can often be found in the same flocks, where their white rump and nasal calls give them away.

This fascinating cup fungus is a lovely thing to stumble upon -should you be lucky enough!