Big Garden Birdwatch is fun, free and for everyone. And you don’t need a garden to take part! Counting birds from your balcony, or your local park will play a vital role in helping us understand how UK birds are doing. Sign up for your free guide and let’s look out for birds together on 26-28 January.
The largest wildlife survey in the world, the Big Garden Birdwatch has been running for 45 years. Last year, over half a million people took part and over 9 million birds were counted. Despite its much-publicised decline in numbers, the House Sparrow was the commonest bird in last year’s count, for the 19th consecutive year. An average of just over four sparrows were recoded in each garden. Blue Tit, Starling, Woodpigeon and Blackbird made up the top five. The most widespread bird was the Robin, recorded in around 85% of gardens where counts took place.
The House Sparrow also topped the 2022 list in London, with an average of 3.1 sparrows per garden. Woodpigeon, Blue Tit, Starling and Feral Pigeon made up the top five. The most widespread bird in London, despite only coming eighth in numbers, was the Robin, recorded in 77% of gardens. The full 2023 results can be seen here.
To join in, all you need to do is to count birds in your garden or local park for one hour on 26, 27 or 28 January. Record the highest number of each species that you see at one time and send in the results to the RSPB. You can submit your counts online or send them in on paper. See the RSPB website for full details of how to take part. You can request a free information pack to help you get ready for the Big Garden Birdwatch and identify the birds you see.
Header photo: female House Sparrow by Richard Saville
