The Big Garden Birdwatch is a nationwide RSPB citizen science project that anyone can join, and it’s on its way. Running from Saturday 26th–Monday 28th January 2019, the Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey – where we need you to spend just one hour over the weekend counting the birds in your garden, park or local green space.
As the Big Garden Birdwatch approaches, will be bringing you everything you need to know to prepare for the event. Read on for more and check back on this page as the event approaches.
How will you #BigGardenBirdwatch? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
How do I take part?
To take part, simply register online and then spend one hour between 26th–28th January counting the birds that you see in one place. This could be your garden, your local city park or another green space in your community. When you’re done, you can submit your results to us online, telling us what you saw and how many of each species. We then use this information to build up a picture of how our garden wildlife is doing.
Count the birds in your garden for one hour, like our very own Jack Plumb.
Read more
What is the Big Garden Birdwatch?
This nationwide RSPB citizen science project has been running since 1979. That's 40 years of garden bird data! Discover what your data has taught us here.
As this year marks the 40th anniversary of the Big Garden Birdwatch so, to make it extra special, we’re asking you how you do your Big Garden Birdwatch. Join our campaign and let us know what makes your Birdwatch special. Have you been taking part every year, or perhaps this is your first time? Will you be putting your feet up inside with a cup of tea and some cake, or inviting the family around to join in? Let us know how you do it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #BigGardenBirdWatch
This year's Big Garden Birdwatch sees the 40th anniversary of the survey.
Why do the Big Garden Birdwatch?
As well as providing the RSPB with valuable data about UK garden wildlife, putting an hour aside to watch the birds in your garden can also be hugely beneficial for you. Read why to do the Big Garden Birdwatch, and discover the reasons why the Nature's Home magazine team will be doing it this year.
The Big Garden Birdwatch is a great opportunity to get kids interested in the world around them. Photo: Rahul Thanki (rspb-images.com)
Where to do the Big Garden Birdwatch
The best place to do the Big Garden Birdwatch is in your garden. But if you don't have a garden, don't worry, you can still take part. You can do the Big Garden Birdwatch on a patio, balcony, roof garden, allotment or even in a park. You can also take part in a work garden, or sign up to the Big School's Birdwatch to do it in your school playground. Read our full guide to where to take part.
No matter how big or small, your garden can provide valuable data to the Big Garden Birdwatch. Photo: Eleanor Bentall (rspb-images.com)
What you could see
From bustling woodpigeons to tiny wrens, dusky blackbirds to bright goldfinches, there are a whole host of species you could see on your Big Garden Birdwatch. Take a look at our guide to what you could see to learn more, and to find out how these species have fared in previous Birdwatches.
Sign-up today to request a FREE postal pack, or take part online and get access to Big Garden Extra, where you can access exclusive articles, downloads and celebrity interviews.
Clockwise from top left: magpie, starling, ring-necked parakeet, robin. Photos: Paul Chesterfield, Grahame Madge, Ben Andrew (all rspb-images.com)
What next?
The Big Garden Birdwatch is over, what next? Read our guide to what to do next. Perhaps you feel inspired to volunteer or fundraise for nature? Perhaps you want to learn more about the RSPB's work? Whatever you do next, don't forget to submit your results and of course, keep feeding your garden birds.
You still have time to learn more, knit birds and make amazing cakes at Birdwatch Extra, so don't miss out.
Don't forget to submit your results by 17 February.
If you're not yet a member of the RSPB, you can sign up here.
Hi Teresa, my understanding is that birds which overfly or are not on the land you are conducting the survey on don't count. I haven't seen the 2019 rules yet though, but unlikely to be different.
Hi. I've done the Big Garden Birdwatch for several years at my old house. In the last year we've moved & our new garden backs onto a field which we can see clearly from our garden. Does anyone know if I am allowed to count birds that land in the field or do I have to limit my count to those actually landing in my garden?