Big Garden Birdwatch 2014!

Register for Big Garden Birdwatch 2014!

  • Big Garden Birdwatch 2014 is taking place over 25-26 January.  Last year an incredible 589,000 people took part in the Birdwatch, submitting records from almost 300,000 gardens and parks! 
  • Register now to receive your free guide and £5 RSPB shop discount.  You’ll also get an email reminder just before the weekend itself so you don’t forget to take part!  (NB you don’t have to register to take part in the Birdwatch)
  • This year, we've made it even easier for you to send in your results – using our new online bird counter, you can simply record the birds as you see them (even on a tablet or smartphone!).  The bird counter will be live on the Big Garden Birdwatch website over the Birdwatch weekend.  
  • Alternatively, if you simply want to input your results online after taking part, this option is still available.  And of course you can still send us your results by post if you prefer. 
  • This year, we are also asking you to tell us about other garden wildlife species, such as badgers, hedgehogs and frogs.  We’re not expecting you to see these creatures in your hour watching, but we’d like to know if any of them visit your garden, and if so, how often.  We’ll be sharing these results with our conservation partners, including People’s Trust for Endangered Species and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.

  • Thanks for this Alan, I didn't know the birds like this so much. I will make some today and try it out. I could have a go with my class perhaps this week, dependent on timetabling! Can you tell me, if we make this, do we have to keep it moist or can it be allowed to dry out before the children get it home?

    Many thanks for the suggestion.

    Deb.

  • Hi,

    I want to use the form I have been sent in the post instead of filling the info in online as I can get a badge when I give a donation with that.... will the RSPB still know I have 'replied' and taken part if I use the postal method? .....

    Thanks :)

  • Thank you :)

    I have been collecting RSPB badges for a long time you see hence why I wanted to use the paper form they sent me lol!

    I have been getting a great variety of birds over the last couple of weeks; including a couple of garden patch ticks :D I just hope they will stick around for the count this weekend lol.

  • Hi Alan,

    Thanks for flagging this up, we've passed it on so hopefully can sort out any problems.

    Charlee - yes, results can definitely be sent in by post! If you already have an official form (one came in the latest magazine) then that's great! If you don't have a form then please let me know and I can post one out to you, send me your address to: ben.andrew@rspb.org.uk

  • All registered! I'll be doing mine on the 25th! Think I will get mostly sparrows/starlings!

    Also its pretty warm in Saddleworth, blue sky and sunshine!

    Cheers, Jason

  • With all the talk of pastry making, I'm going to do some tomorrow! I've got quite a bit of the suet nibbles left and the birds are not really going for them, normally the starlings go mad, but nope. My remaining ones are turning in to powder, so im going to make loads of pastry and hopefully they'll get eaten!

    Also I can freeze some and thaw them out, all in good time for the Bird watch!

    Cheers, Jason

  • Hi Jason,  I'm going to make another batch of pastry too;  don't forget to add the suet powder to your flour !  I end up with a lot of powder in the bottom of my suet tub so just add it to the flour when I make the pastry.    Not sure whether I will do my count Saturday or Sunday, much depends on the weather and if my alarm clock goes off  LOL    

    _________________________________________________________________________

    Regards, Hazel 

  • Tinkered with recipe for the BGB & tried it yesterday.Slapped wrist from BH..she has signed up & doing survey in my place.Been told to restock the Ato** suet & stand in wellies @ churchyard on the day instead :-( Have come downstairs early to have a ... "senior moment"..Hmm..A little moan. :-)

    p.s I only used 200g. Which (1600 kcal) is considered 2 b a diet plan for your average medium sized bird.I told bh this fact.Some things should remain untold methinks!

  • I want to print off the list to do while I watch, but I can't find where to get it from?

    Best wishes

    Val.

  • My Bird Feeders have been very very quiet over the last 2-3 months, and I presume that is because it's been so mild and all the Birds are getting enough natural food and don't need the Bird Feeders just now. So it's looking like my Big Garden Birdwatch will be very quiet.

    Regards,

    Ian.