It's time once again for the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch. This event which started in 1979 is this weekend on Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th and Monday 30th January. For the first time in its history the Big Garden Birdwatch is taking place over three days. If you have had a busy weekend, the weather is inclement or you can birdwatch at your place of work you now have the option of recording on a Monday. Last year, more than 519,000 people all over the UK counted an incredible 8,262,662 birds!
In 2016 there were more sightings of the tiny Goldcrest. RSBP Radipole Lake volunteer Martin Jones-Gill captured this Goldcrest on Radipole a couple of weeks ago. Along with its cousin, the Firecrest, it's Britain's smallest bird. Firecrests can be seen over at Arne and were featured on the BBC's Winterwatch this week.
Last year the top 10 birds recorded were:
It's possible that January 2016's mild weather meant more smaller birds survived over the winter to be counted which could explain the appearance of more Long-Tailed Tits, Coal Tits and Goldcrests. Though natural food sources were plentiful, it's clear these birds still rely on the food we put out in our gardens.
My pic of a Goldfinch in an Alder tree at Radipole a couple of weeks ago.
The top 20 birds recorded for Dorset in 2016 were:
Everything you need to know about the Big Garden Birdwatch is on the RSPB website: https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/everything-you-need-to-know-about-big-garden-birdwatch/ where you can download a pack or you can collect a form from the Radipole Lake Discovery Centre.
For further information and the latest sightings, contact Radipole Lake Discovery Centre, details below or pop in and see us. Hot and cold refreshments, sandwiches and snacks available.
Telephone: 01305 778313
E-mail: Weymouth.reserves@rspb.org.uk
Website: www.rspb.org.uk/radipolelake