“Before this weekend I rarely spent a prolonged period of time watching the birds in our garden. It was a revelation to see who visited and I am now ‘hooked’!”
We get messages like this from thousands of people every year after Big Garden Birdwatch. Once people have started doing it, they just can’t stop!
Is this your first Big Garden Birdwatch, or have you done it lots of times before? What are you doing to get prepared? Share your experience in the run up to the big day using #BigGardenBirdwatch on social media. We’d love to hear from you.
What might you see?
“I was engrossed by the birds’ acrobatics: a great stress-buster.”
If there’s one thing you can count on during Big Garden Birdwatch, it’s surprises.
In 2016, for instance, long-tailed tits entered the top 10 for the first time ever. There were also more sightings of tiny goldcrests and their cousins, firecrests – Britain’s smallest birds.
It’s possible that January’s mild weather meant that more small birds like this survived the winter to be counted. While natural food sources may have been plentiful, it’s clear from their appearances in gardens that they’re also relying on the food we put out.
If it’s a mild winter again this year, then it’s possible that robins will have begun their courtship behaviour by Big Garden Birdwatch weekend. Look out for male robins feeding the females, and aggressively defending their territory from other males.
Last year, Big Garden Birdwatchers reported surprise sightings throughout the weekend on Twitter and Facebook, including: a crow warming its wings on a neighbour’s chimney, redpolls on a bird feeder, a pair of great spotted woodpeckers, and six jackdaws scoffing the last of the Christmas cake left-overs!
What surprises are in store for you in January 2017?
Live-blogging the whole birdwatch
Whatever is happening, we’ll keep you up to date with the latest news and sightings over the whole three days via our live blog. There’ll be celebrity participants, last minute feeding tips, and highlights from social media posts from around the country.
It’s. Going. To. Be. Awesome.
More updates, coming soon…
For more on our science, check out the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science web pages.
Last year I had a Garden Warbler in my garden in January but BTO wouldn't believe me. I really do know the difference between a Dunnock's song and a GW song and they look nothing alike !! So yes, I'm looking forward no end to the BGBW this year. Thank you for your Blog. And ..... hurry up March and the Ospreys