The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is an annual survey that provides a vital snapshot of how wild birds are faring in the UK. This year, nature lovers are being urged to spend an hour counting the birds in their garden, park, or local green space for the world’s largest survey of garden wildlife.
Nature Lovers Urged to Take Part in UK Bird Count Amid Fears Over Climate and Disease
The RSPB advises that it is best to use hanging feeders to reduce the spread of disease.
Photograph: Nigel Blake/PA
The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is an annual survey that provides a vital snapshot of how wild birds are faring in the UK. This year, nature lovers are being urged to spend an hour counting the birds in their garden, park, or local green space for the world’s largest survey of garden wildlife.
Why Your Participation Matters
More than 9m birds were counted last year by 600,000 participants in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch. The data collected from this survey helps conservationists understand how to protect and preserve bird populations. With the nature and climate emergency threatening even our most familiar birds, every count matters.
The Impact of Climate Change on UK Birds
This year’s survey will reveal whether the recent cold spell across Britain has adversely affected numbers, particularly of smaller birds such as long-tailed tits and wrens, which struggle in prolonged cold. Winter migrants are also likely to be recorded, with fieldfares and redwings visiting Britain from Scandinavia to find alternative sources of food.
The Role of Garden Bird Feeders
Garden bird feeders can play a significant role in supporting bird populations during the winter months. However, it is essential to use hanging feeders to reduce the spread of disease among birds. The RSPB advises against using ground-level feeders as they can become contaminated with bacteria and other pathogens.
The Importance of Conservation Efforts
The long-running survey has tracked important declines in some species, including the song thrush, starling, and house sparrow. The house sparrow has topped the garden birdwatch charts for 21 years in a row but the average number of the birds spotted in gardens since the count began has fallen by 60%. There are 38m fewer birds in British skies than half a century ago.
By taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, you and hundreds of thousands of other nature lovers across the UK play an important role in helping us understand how garden birds are doing. Your participation can make a significant difference in the conservation efforts to protect and preserve bird populations.
