Discover nature on your doorstep and take part in The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch 2024
It’s that time of the year again when RSPB are asking people to join them in taking part in The Big Garden Birdwatch.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to take a look at nature on your doorstep!
Across the UK, over half a million people took part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2023, counting a whopping 9.1 million birds! House Sparrows took the top spot, but counts of these chirpy birds are down by 57% compared to the first Birdwatch in 1979.
Over the last 50 years we've lost 38 million birds from UK skies - that's a shocking number, so recording the types and numbers of birds that visit our gardens is really important!
With birds facing so many challenges, it’s more important than ever to get involved in the Birdwatch. Every bird you do – or don’t – count will give a valuable insight into how garden birds are faring.
The really good news is that taking part in this year's Big Garden Birdwatch is so easy!
Firstly you need to register.
Once you’ve signed up to take part there are just 3 steps to follow:
1) Choose 1 hour between 26th – 28th January. This can be anytime during the day or night, whatever's convenient for you.
2) Identify and count the birds you see in your garden. Just to be clear, you don’t include birds in flight – just the ones that land or feed in your garden or yard.
3) Submit your results online before the 18th February. Or, if you prefer you can send your findings by post. You can download a submission form from the RSPB Website and post your results by 15th February.
Every count is important, even if you see absolutely nothing, still submit your results anyway, because finding out which birds don’t visit your area is equally as important as understanding which birds do!
The RSPB website is also full of expert hints and tips on how to attract birds in your garden and what to feed them. Everything you'll need to know to keep birds flocking into your garden regularly.
Don't worry if you don't have a garden - you can still take part too!
Even a small window feeder can make a big difference. Everyone counts in the Big Garden Birdwatch!
To take part in The Big Garden Birdwatch or to find out more about The RSPB click here:
