Scots urged to get involved in RSPB's 'vital' annual Big Garden Birdwatch

Average count of House Sparrows in gardens has dropped by 60 per cent
-Credit:RSPB


Scots are being urged to take part in RSPB’s “vital” annual Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend to do their bit for nature.

Some 40,000 nature-lovers in Scotland took part last year, counting more than 80,000 birds of nearly 50 species - once again highlighting the importance of our gardens for the nation’s wildlife. This year, researchers are keen to find out how big an impact the recent cold snap might have had on bird behaviours.

The yearly bird-watching event, which runs from January 24-26, simply requires people to spend an hour watching birds in their garden or in a local greenspace and take notes on what they see. The Big Garden Birdwatch, which launched in 1979, is the largest citizen science survey in the UK with more than 600,000 participants last year.

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rspb birdwatch
Stills from RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch TV advertisement, Annabel Chan taking part from window, Bedfordshire, October 2018 -Credit:RSPB

Anne McCall, RSPB Scotland director, said: “Big Garden Birdwatch is always a highlight in the January calendar. It’s a fantastic excuse to down tools and really connect with the wildlife around you.

“Nothing beats catching a glimpse of one of our precious garden birds to brighten up the day. By taking part in the Birdwatch, you’ll be joining thousands of other nature lovers across Scotland in helping us understand how garden birds are doing.

“With the nature and climate emergency threatening even our most familiar birds, every count matters.

Beccy Speight, RSPB chief executive, said: “The weather can sometimes be harsh on our wildlife, especially our small garden birds. Now that the snow and icy conditions have passed, we hope everyone can take part in the Birdwatch to help determine how our birds are faring and see if the weather has impacted their numbers.

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“Many of the amazing garden birds people will be counting this weekend are in decline. There are 38 million fewer birds in our skies than half a century ago… the average count of House Sparrows spotted in gardens has dropped by a staggering 60 per cent.”

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