RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch weekend has officially arrived.
But what is it and how can members of the public take part in 2024? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch?
According to the official Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) website, the Big Garden Birdwatch is ‘’the UK’s biggest citizen science wildlife survey’’.
By participating in the survey, nature lovers can help the RSPB, the country’s largest nature conservation charity, to understand how garden birds are faring right now.
Results will show whether species are struggling, or hopefully recovering.
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It is held at a similar time every year so that the charity can compare the results with previous years.
Also, because the Birdwatch takes place over more than one day, it helps to ensure that RSPB can obtain the best snapshot of how birds are doing.
Numbers of native birds have plummeted in recent decades, with building developments and climate change impacting species that have lived in Britain for thousands of years, warns the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Conservation efforts have, for example, previously resulted in increased populations of cirl buntings, stone-curlews, and corncrakes.
However, if it becomes apparent that bird numbers are dropping, action can be taken to help the animals survive.
When is the Big Garden Birdwatch?
In 2024, the Big Garden Birdwatch begins on Friday, January 26, and concludes on Sunday, January 28.
Because the Birdwatch takes place at the same time every year, those involved in the project can look back through the years to see if anything has changed.
How can I take part?
The conservation charity has appealed to members of the public from across the UK to take part in the 2024 Big Garden Birdwatch.
It's really easy to join in the national bird count and here’s how:
- Visit the RSPB website to get your free guide and stock up on supplies, with 15 per cent off and free delivery on food and feeders at the RSPB shop.
- Spend an hour watching the birds in your patch, between January 26 and January 28, and record the birds that land.
- Tell the RSPB what you saw (even if it’s nothing at all) - you can do this online or via post.
In 2023, over half a million nature fans took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch - with a whopping 9.1 million birds counted.
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How do I watch the Big Garden Birdwatch live?
Luckily for nature lovers, you can keep up with the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch through its live stream on YouTube.
From there you'll be able to see live footage of the Nature's Voice feeder cams.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, on January 25, 2024, the RSPB wrote: ‘’Don't miss our LIVE #BigGardenBirdWatch feeder cams this weekend!
‘’Featuring RSPB reserves, London ponds, and the gardens of: @ChrisGPackham, @wesley_fagan, @katemacrae, @timstenton.’’
