This weekend half a million people will take part in the world’s largest wildlife survey – the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch!
Will you be one of them? If so then read on for everything you need to know…
Held every year in January it is a fantastic opportunity to not only learn more about the birds in your garden but to also provide the RSPB with valuable information – by counting the birds you see they can determine which species are thriving and which species are threatened.
In fact, because of the survey, the RSPB know that since 2017 there has been a 66% decrease in the number of goldfinches seen in gardens but an 87% increase in wrens!
How can you take part?
It’s simple – just watch the birds in your garden for one hour and record the highest number of species you see at any one time. For the best results I recommend doing it early in the morning when the birds are likely to be most active. Once the hour is up, send your results to the RSPB online here.
To attract birds into your garden over the coming spring months I’ve put together some top tips:
1. Bird foods
Put out nutritious bird foods such as seed mixes, suet treats and meal worms to attract a variety of wild birds into your garden. Feeding is particularly important in winter and spring but, if possible, birds should be fed all year round.
2. Bird baths
Birds need fresh water to drink and to wash – baths are a great way for birds to remove debris, preen feathers and cool off in summer. Remember though to pop a ping pong ball in yours over winter to stop the water freezing up!
3. Nest boxes
Now is the best time to put up nest boxes before the nesting season starts in mid-February. Make sure it is sheltered from the weather, near vegetation, 1-3m above ground and away from your bird feeders to avoid any conflict/ disturbance.
