Grab a cuppa, sit back and enjoy the Big Garden Birdwatch

I ddarllen y blog yma yng Nghymraeg cliciwch yma os gwelwch yn dda.

January conjures up different emotions – for some it’s a good opportunity wash away the cobwebs of Christmas and start the year with a blank canvas. For others it’s a time to get fit or save the pennies after the gluttony of the holidays. But for our garden birds, January is always a good time to stock up and enjoy some tasty treats to face the harsh winter months ahead.

As we escape the cold weather this winter, we’re asking you to spare a thought for our birds ahead of our annual Big Garden Birdwatch – the world largest garden wildlife survey – all from the comforts of your own home or local green space.

More people than ever before are being called upon to take part – and this year you have an extra day to spot your garden visitors as the Birdwatch runs over three consecutive days from 28-30 January. Over 24,000 people took part in Wales in 2016 and with winter in full swing it’s an ideal opportunity to get the whole family involved. Simply put the kettle on, grab a biscuit and count the birds you see in your garden.


Above: Rahul Thanki (rspb-images.com)

As well as counting our garden birds, we’d like to know about the other wildlife which snuffles and settles in your home throughout the year - such as grass snakes, hedgehogs, stag beetles, stoats and moles. But most importantly, whether you see a wealth of wildlife or nothing at all it doesn’t matter, as we’d still like to hear from you so we can see how nature is doing and help the wildlife which may be struggling.

Over the last year adverse weather conditions have affected us all. Unfortunately, this change in climate has also affected the number of birds we see in our gardens. The last Big Garden Birdwatch found a decline in the number of starlings and song thrushes. This decline continues a trend that has seen the number of both species visiting gardens decline since the first Birdwatch in 1979.


Above: Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)

Whilst providing nourishment for our birds is important, there are a number of other ways you can help. Birds need a wide range of plants to shelter and perch too, so they can make use of the feeders we provide in winter as well as the nectar-rich plants that attract insects in the summer. During this year’s Birdwatch why not look at how the birds approach your feeders using the various trees, shrubs and bushes? Making your garden more nature-friendly is the best way you can help the birds and other wildlife that use it, and there are many simple things you can do to breathe new life into your garden. Visit our website for more ideas. 

So, how about joining the other 24,000 people in Wales and count the wildlife that’s counting on you? Details of our Big Garden Birdwatch events in Wales can be found below and you can register to take part and receive your free pack at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.