The world’s biggest wildlife survey is just two days away. The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place from 27 – 29 January, and there’s still plenty of time to sign up.
But if you still need convincing…
House sparrow topped the chart last year - have you seen one in your garden? (Ben Hall, rspb-images.com)
1. It’s a whole hour to yourself!
Time. That ever-elusive commodity. You don’t have to spend the whole Big Garden Birdwatch hour with your nose pressed to the window. I know I don’t, so that’s why last year I did a bit of gardening at the same time, and the year before caught up with my correspondence. Just make sure you’re peeking out at regular intervals and keeping a good tally.
2. Or a whole hour with friends and family if you prefer
Why not share the experience and catch up with an old friend? Or introduce the grandkids to birds visiting your garden? Whether it’s a cuppa with old friends or a visit from the kids, the Big Garden Birdwatch is open to everyone, even if you don’t know anything about birds!
3. You’ll get savings at the RSPB online shop
Download a free pack from our website by 29 January, and you’ll get 20% off in the RSPB shop and free P&P. There’s no minimum spend, T&Cs apply. I think I’ll be ordering a refill for my feeders.
Make sure you check every tree and shrub in your garden for the birds that like to hide. (Ben Andrew, rspb-images.com)
4. You never know what will turn up…
RSPB supporters have reported some crackers over the last 38 years of the Big Garden Birdwatch. This year, the Big Garden Birdwatch is in its 39th year, and with the waxwings of 2017 and the gales this week, who knows what will turn up?
5. …but regular visitors are just as special
If you regularly peer out of the window to see who’s visiting, then you’ll have a pretty good idea of all the birds you get in your garden throughout the year. Always a delight to see, but sometimes sporadically absent, don’t worry if none of them turn up during your hour – it’s still useful information and contributes to our data.
I saw my first hawfinch last year. They're still around, so keep your eyes peeled. (Andy Hay, rspb-images.com)
6. You might learn something about the UK’s superb wildlife
No matter how much you know - or don’t know - there’s always something to learn about wildlife. Sure, you might know what a blue tit looks like, or even sounds like, but how does its behaviour change when it visits a feeder busy with other birds? How does it reach the feeder each visit? Does it come from the same branch each time? Why? A blue tit enigma is born.
7. What’s more Hygge than Big Garden Birdwatch?
Grab a cuppa and a piece of cake, take a seat near a window, marvel. What’s more cosy, charming and special than watching the world go by and the birds fly for an hour?
8. It’s an excuse (like we nature lovers need one, right?) to watch birds
Are you the only nature lover in your home? Then the Big Garden Birdwatch is the perfect excuse to indulge! You’re contributing to a long-running scientific study. It’s important. Birds are important. You’re important.
"Count those, Jack!" Challenge accepted. (David Kjaer, rspb-images.com)
9. You, and 500,000 others will be helping wildlife in the UK
And you’re not the only one. Over 500,000 people who love nature like you have watched birds for an hour over past Big Garden Birdwatch weekends. It’s easy, you’re doing the world some good, and you’re doing yourself some good, too.
Sign up and register to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch this year.
Jack