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Eleri Wynne

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.

Above: Rahul Thanki (rspb-images.com)
 
The Birdwatch runs over three consecutive days again in 2018 from 27-29 January. Over 24,000 people took part in Wales in 2017 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.

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 foxes, frogs, hedgehogs and squirrels. 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.

Whilst providing nourishment for our birds is important, there are a number of other ways you can help (More info here rspb.org.uk/homes). 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 January’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.

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 can be found on our website and you can register to receive your free pack at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.