The world’s largest garden wildlife survey returns this month, with Bedfordians urged to join the hundreds of thousands of people watching and counting the UK’s garden birds over the last weekend in January for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch.
Nearly 700,000 people took part in 2022, counting 11 million birds. In Bedfordshire, more than 8,000 people joined in.
This year’s event takes place on 27, 28 and 29 January. People in Bedfordshire are asked to spend just one hour watching and recording the birds in their garden, balcony or local park, then send their results to the RSPB.
You can sign up to take part here.
This year marks the 44th Big Garden Birdwatch. Starting in 1979, it has since become a much-loved annual event, that helps give the RSPB a valuable snapshot of how our garden birds are doing in the UK.
Over that time, 172 million birds have been counted and nearly 11 million hours spent watching garden birds.
“The birds we see in our gardens, from our balconies, and in our parks, are a lively, colourful and endlessly fascinating part of all our lives, offering a real connection to the natural world,” said Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s chief executive.
“By taking part in the Birdwatch you, and hundreds of thousands like you, play an important role in helping us understand how UK birds are doing.
“With birds now facing so many challenges due to the nature and climate emergency, every count matters. Join us for Big Garden Birdwatch 2023 and together let’s take action to protect and preserve our birds and wildlife for generations to come.”
With more than 1.7million recorded sightings, the house sparrow was most commonly seen garden bird during last year’s Big Garden Watch, also topping the chart in Bedfordshire. The starling and blue tit completed the top three.
Over its four decades, Big Garden Birdwatch has highlighted the winners and losers in the garden bird world. It was first to alert the RSPB to the decline in song thrush numbers, which are down a shocking 81% compared to the first Big Garden Birdwatch in 1979.
How to take part
To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2023, watch the birds on your balcony, in your garden or in your local green space for one hour at some point over the three days. Only count the birds that land, not those flying over. Record the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not the total you see in the hour.
“Whatever you see – one blackbird, 20 sparrows or no birds at all – it all counts,” said Beccy.
“It helps us build that vital overall picture of how our garden birds are faring from one year to the next. With so much challenging our birds now, it’s more important than ever to submit your results.
“Our garden birds are counting on you.”
For your free Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, top tips for your birdwatch, RSPB shop voucher, plus advice on how to help you attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 70030 or visit rspb.org.uk/
