TWITCHERS, nature lovers and families alike are being called on to watch and count the birds next weekend.
The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch will take place between January 24 and 26 and will provide a snapshot of how garden birds are faring across the country.
Last year more than 16,000 people took part in the West Midlands with the House sparrow taking the top spot as the most commonly seen bird, followed by Blue tit and Woodpigeon.
With birds now facing so many challenges due to the climate emergency the RSPB is calling on residents to spend one hour watching and recording the birds that land in their garden, balcony or local park then send their results to the charity.
Since it began in 1979, the Big Garden Birdwatch has become a much-loved annual citizen science event, that gives the RSPB a valuable snapshot of how garden birds are doing in the UK.
Over that time, 195million birds have been counted and nearly 12.1million hours spent watching and counting garden birds.
Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s chief executive, said: “At its heart, Big Garden Birdwatch is an opportunity for people to spend an hour watching, enjoying, and connecting with the wildlife on their doorstep.
“From chirpy House Sparrows to acrobatic Blue Tits, the entertaining antics of our garden birds can brighten even the dullest day and bring a welcome dose of nature into our everyday lives.
“By taking part in the 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.
“With the nature and climate emergency threatening even our most familiar birds, every count matters. It’s good for wildlife and evidence shows it’s good for our own wellbeing.”
Last year’s UK-wide Big Garden Birdwatch results revealed that House Sparrow held the top spot for another year as the most commonly spotted bird, with Blue Tit riding high at number two and Starling coming in at number three.
Woodpigeon and Blackbird made up the remainder of the top five most recorded species.
Although 1.4million House Sparrows were spotted across the January weekend last year, they have sadly suffered severe declines.
The charity says average numbers spotted in gardens, parks and community spaces have dropped 60% since the first Big Garden Birdwatch in 1979.
Beccy added: “Whether you live in a city or the countryside, anyone, anywhere can take part in Big Garden Birdwatch – even if you don’t have a garden!
“All you need is an hour to spend watching the birds in your local green space.
“When we come together for nature, we can do great things. Join us for Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 and together let’s take action to help birds and other wildlife thrive for generations to come.”
Anyone taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 should only count the birds that land, not those flying over and tell the RSPB the highest number of each bird species seen at any one time – not the total seen in the hour.
Registration for Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 is open until January 26.
To receive a free postal or digital Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, top tips for your Birdwatch, RSPB shop voucher, and advice on how to attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 82727, or visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.
