Big Garden Birdwatch 2011

The world’s biggest wildlife survey, the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, takes place Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 January 2011 and it needs you.

Last year thousands of people took part, helping to monitor the birds visiting their gardens during the early part of 2010.

Andy Waters, RSPB Public Affairs, said: “By giving up just one hour over the survey weekend, you can make a real difference to the knowledge of garden birds.”

Garden Birdwatch

[pullquote]Big Garden Birdwatch is great for the whole family.
Andy Waters, RSPB Public Affairs[/pullquote]

Taking part in Big Garden Birdwatch is simple and it’s suitable for all the family.

To do your bit for garden birds, simply spend one hour over the weekend of 29 and 30 January 2011 counting the birds in your garden or local park and record the highest number of every bird species seen at any one time.

Andy Waters, RSPB Public Affairs, said: “Big Garden Birdwatch is great for the whole family.”

Past surveys have enabled the charity to identify the cause of birds’ decline as well as steps you can take to help them recover.

You don’t have to be an expert and the RSPB needs your help. The more of you taking part the better the results.

Birdwatch results

Results from 2010 provided a good understanding of how birds were coping with the prolonged cold spell experienced at the start of the year.

Across the UK the house sparrow, despite topping the chart, has shown a rapid decrease since 1979 dropping from an average of 10 birds per garden to just 3.7.

Unusually high numbers of countryside birds like fieldfares, redwings, bullfinches and yellowhammers were spotted in gardens.

As well as redwings and fieldfares, other members of the thrush family, including song thrush, mistle thrush and blackbird, were seen in much higher numbers last year looking for food.

For further information and online resources to help you with your birdwatch, visit the RSPB website, www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

An online results form will be available from Saturday 29 January until 18 February 2011.

Alternatively, call 0300 456 8330 to request a Big Garden Birdwatch form to be sent to you (calls charged at standard rate).

The hotline number will be in operation from 15 November 2010 to 28 January 2011.