Are you taking part in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey? The great big garden birdwatch is an annual event organised by the RSPB to harness the power of nature lovers and citizen scientists across the UK. The results paint a picture of the current state of the health of our birds, and can be used to identify vulnerable and endangered species. More information is here.
How to be involved
To take part – choose an hour slot between 26th and 28th January as well as a patch that you will observe, record only the birds that land in your patch, recording the highest number of each bird species that you see at any one time. The results can be provided to the RSPB online up to 18th February 2024. You don’t have to have a garden yourself to take part, since you can observe a patch from a balcony, window, or visit your local park. If you see nothing, it still counts.
Why take part?
It’s a great way to connect with nature, and foster an awareness and appreciation for the rich wildlife that shares our urban environment. It also helps to generate data that can be used to protect wildlife and biodiversity.
Results from previous years
According to the RSPB website –
“Across the UK, over half a million people took part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2023, counting a whopping 9.1 million birds! House Sparrows took the top spot, but counts of these chirpy birds are down by 57% compared to the first Birdwatch in 1979. In fact, we’ve lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 60 years. With birds facing so many challenges, it’s more important than ever to get involved in the Birdwatch. Every bird you do – or don’t – count will give us a valuable insight into how garden birds are faring”.
If you would like to know more, check out the RSPB FAQ page here.
Bird Themed Events this weekend in Ealing
Not surprisingly, there is a multitude of bird related events happening this weekend in Ealing, including, a West London Birders and Ealing Wildlife Group bird count at Boston Manor park, and a Ealing Wildlife Group Thames Path bird walk, both on 27th January 2024.
Leave a Reply