You don’t need a garden to get involved with the Big Garden Birdwatch…
… come and visit us at Strumpshaw Fen or explore your local green patch instead! Our bird feeders are busier than ever, and we have friendly volunteers on hand to help with all your bird identification queries. So, if you have never taken part in the Birdwatch before, your local RSPB reserve really is the perfect place to join in.
Credit: Phil Barnes Photography
Each year over the last weekend in January, the RSPB asks the nation to take one hour to record the birds on their local patch. The data we all collect allows RSPB scientists to monitor how our bird populations are faring and identify patterns and trends year on year. This information vitally informs our conservation work.
This year the Big Garden Birdwatch is happening 28th - 30th January. You can count birds in your garden, from your balcony (you might be surprised by how many birds you see in urban areas), your local park or a nature reserve – so anywhere really! Simply watch the birds around you for one hour, keeping track of how many of each species lands on your patch. You can tell us what you saw online. Even if you don’t see very much, that is also important for our scientists to know!
You can even stay indoors and watch your garden birds from your window; it’s the perfect excuse to sit with tea and cake and spend a peaceful hour watching your feathered friends enjoy their own snacks at the birdfeeder. If you’re visiting us, you’ll find a warm welcome in reception hide with hot drinks available for you too! Those of you who are braving the winter weather may appreciate these tips from RSPB wardens on keeping warm in the great outdoors.
Big Garden Birdwatch from the comfort of home, photo by Eleanor Bentall (rspb-images.com)
All the information you need to take part in this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch can be found on our website. The RSPB has also produced a YouTube video answering the most common Birdwatch questions.
If you visit us for the Birdwatch or simply a relaxing wintry walk, we’d love to hear about your sightings at Reception hide or you can share your photos with us on Twitter and Facebook.