I asked my non-birdy partner for his top tips on how to take part in Big Garden Birdwatch, when you don’t know that much about birds!
Give Yourself a Head Start!
Birds are easier to count when you can see them. So, give yourself an advantage, put some food and fresh water out for them, soon they’ll be flocking in. Just make sure you can see the food from your window or wherever you are watching from.
Get up Close
Some people are blessed with the ability to identify birds just from a glimpse in the branches, watching the flight pattern as they flit from one side of the garden to another, or just by listening to the song. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people. This is why binoculars are a godsend to me! The ones I own are not even particularly good ones, but they are just what I need to get a better look. I’ve even been known to use the camera on my phone to zoom in.
Grab a Notebook
Write down what you notice about a bird (e.g. small brown and grey bird, hopping around on the ground), anything that sticks out, for me colour is important. Better still take pictures, and leave the notes to someone else, then you can get straight back into action!
Use the Chart
The Big Garden Birdwatch pack comes with a foldout chart of some of the birds you will commonly encounter in your garden. This a useful and quick reference to use during the hour. Mine came in the post last week but there is one available online. If you haven’t got yours yet you could also use the online bird identifier tool on the RSPB website (rspb.org.uk/birdidentifier), which I find really helpful as it suggests all the similar looking species.
Ask!
If like me, you love birds and find them fascinating but have no idea which is which. Then don’t be afraid to ask. There are so many ways to find help, maybe a friend or family member is a quite a keen birder and you can set up a Big Garden Birdwatch Zoom call, Facebook or WhatsApp group together. Or ask online, there are so many forums and Facebook groups setup to help people identify birds.
Take your Time
Once you’ve matched up the descriptions and photos, if you’re still stumped by one or two, don’t panic! You’ve got until 15 February to get your results in. It’s better to take it slow and get it right.
Oh, and speaking of not rushing. Don’t worry, there’s still time to sign up for Big Garden Birdwatch. Just click here to register: https://bit.ly/BGBWST!
And Remember
It’s all about taking part, this is used to help track how birds are doing across the UK. Egos can be left at the door here, it’s not about how good you are at identifying birds without help, or who gets the most exciting garden visitors. It’s about taking part and getting stuck in regardless of ability. Everyone has to start somewhere!
Well, I have quite a depressing life. I have an extremely rare brain condition similar to Parkinsons. My grandmother was an avid birdwatcher. I must have inherited her love of birds. Everyday when the sun comes out, I sit in my backyard. There are 4-5 birds nests in our soffets. I sit there and watch the mother bird bringing food back to her babies. As soon as momma arrives at the nest, I can hear the babies chirping like mad. It's so beautiful to hear!
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