Next weekend the biggest wildlife survey in the world takes place and we’re encouraging everyone to take part! It’s the RSPB big garden birdwatch from the 25th – 27th January and becoming one of the half a million participants couldn’t be easier.
All you need to do is watch the birds in your garden for an hour between those dates and write down what you see, the highest number of any member of each species at the same time is your total (to avoid double counting). If you don’t already have bird feeders in the garden they can be a great way to attract all sorts of birds to your home. You could even make your own energy balls for the birds with lard, seeds and nuts, dried fruit and unsalted cheese.
The survey has been going for over 40 years so the data helps give a clear picture of how bird populations are changing. For some it’s not good news such as sparrows, song thrushes and starlings but others are on the increase including long-tailed tits and great tits. The reasons behind these trends may be changing habitats and food sources and the adaptability of a species (whether they can take advantage of the increased food in gardens or not). Other species are changing their distributions because of our changing climate. Blackcaps are now quite regularly seen over wintering in Britain as our winters get milder so will appear on the garden birdwatch list.
There are identification guide sheets available when you sign up and you are welcome to pop in to the AWT office to check guide books if you don’t have one at home.
Taking part contributes to wildlife science, and an hour watching the birds is a fun way to do it! So be sure to sign up at www.rspb.org.uk and make it the first of many hours spent watching and enjoying your garden birds.