I already know this cause I wanted to know the rules before takeing part the very first time I took part and I’ve taken part a few times. but here’s the link
The link also answers any questions people might have about takeing part if they have any questions about taking part
and the website where you submit your results will tell you what date to submit them by
https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/
Zo Clark said:The RSPB big Garden birdwatch can be done in the garden, over the Balcony or in your local green space but you only count the birds that land during the hour that you birdwatch in the big garden birdwatch.
Agreed. I don't think anyone disagrees with that. The important bit though is ".....or.....". There's someone across the valley who has a telescope permanently set up. That house would produce one of the most extensive bird counts in county if they counted everything they saw land from their house.
By far and away the most important aspects of BGBW is 1) Raising awareness (both of RSPB and of birds) 2) Taking part and to a lesser extent 3) Membership and bird food sales. Further down the list will be 4) Bird numbers.
As has been discussed in previous years, returned bird counts are 'sanitised'. Clear errors are ironed out. e.g. hooded crow sightings in Cornwall were given as an example previously. I am confident obvious 'duplicate counting' also gets downsized.
It will be interesting to see how many participants there are this year. Covid years clearly affected participation both during and last Winter when numbers then, for obvious reasons, dropped off. I do fear the ongoing disappearance of gardens will lead to more and more loss of diversity, esp for BGBW, and therefore also loss of interest to take part. Maybe I'm overly negative. Many of th younger generation though do have extremely limited garden space and therefore less interest outside.
As you have said Robbo, I will stick a lot more to my garden, next year and ignore all facilities beyond this areas
Tempting as it is - it is not relevant at all - expect if a Magpie decides to steal food from a tree in the back field.into my garden, it will be included in my bird count.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
