As you can see from last years results, the top ten Big Garden Birdwatch birds are all well known and regular visitors to many gardens around the UK and provide all of us with hours of entertainment as they go about their daily lives alongside our own.
However, what we want to find out with this poll is which species is likely to make you jump out of your chair, spill your tea and drop your digestive biscuits with excitement! We have narrowed the list down to ten birds, which proved very difficult, that are seen regularly but are just a little bit out of the ordinary for various reasons. All you need to do is to pick the one that would give you the most pleasant of surprises if it arrives during the birdwatch hour.
If you can think of a species that we have missed from the list (those lucky enough to have red kites living locally should have something to say!) please tell us about it and why it should be included.
Happy voting!
Warden Intern at Otmoor.
Hi Ian
I voted for one that I might realistically see and that is a sparrowhawk
I know I won't see a bullfinch or a waxwing in my garden, so I thought there was no point in voting for something that was a 'no hoper'
I have seen a sparrowhawk twice in my garden, but it would be great for one to come along and be counted. :-)
Edited: If one arrives to be counted, I wish for it to arrive right at the end of my BGBW hour :-)
Best wishes Chris
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Ian
I'm also lucky enough to see red kites living locally, although they wouldn't count in my BGBW as they only fly over my garden rather than landing in it. I assume that is the correct way to count?
TeeJay might be able to count one landing. :-)
Woodpecker said:TeeJay might be able to count one landing. :-)
I could if I put some chicken scraps out but I'm not going to. I don't think this is what the BGBW is all about. It's really for genuine garden birds.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
LTT please .
An optimist sees the beauty of the complete rose.A pessimist sees only the thorn .
Well I was spoilt for choice with that list I have to admit!
In the end I opted for Bullfinch, which I would be pushing the boat out in hoping for I can assure you - that and if one visited I'd probably faint and not be able to finish the survey!
On wednesday there were 30 Waxwings in the birch trees at the top of the street at the entrance to the walkway - oh how I was over the moon! My first ever Waxwings and in my street! Then there were a further 60 round the corner too! I doubt they'll be back mind you, but I'm glad to have seen them.
I would be happy to have any of that list in my garden for BGBW, as other than the female Sparrowhawk, none of those birds frequent here.
Im going for Bullfinch too
Thank you
Nick
Growing old is inevitable - Growing up is optional !
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Unknown said: Waxwing. I must be the only person who hasn't seen one yet. :(
Waxwing.
I must be the only person who hasn't seen one yet.
:(
Nor me , Graham!!! so that was my vote!
Long tailed tit. I'm going for something just possible in my case. For the first time ever in over 30 years of living here, I saw a pair today in my garden! I'm really hoping they will become regular visitors, they are so beautiful!
Keeta said: Long tailed tit. I'm going for something just possible in my case. For the first time ever in over 30 years of living here, I saw a pair today in my garden! I'm really hoping they will become regular visitors, they are so beautiful!
In my garden they love suet balls, so maybe try one specially?;-)
Woodpecker said: In my garden they love suet balls, so maybe try one specially?;-)
That's good to know. I do have suet balls on offer, but they're usually rather quickly demolished by the sparrows and starlings. If the long tailed tits are a bit shy they might not be able to get a beak in edgeways!