The Big Garden Birdwatch is Back Again

January 21, 2022 by Laura QD

The Big Garden Birdwatch is Back Again

By Rachael – Content Editor

Published 21st January 2022

A perfect way to end January, it’s time to join in the well-loved Big Garden Birdwatch with friends and family. Last year over a million people joined together to record data on 17 million wild birds across the country. Let’s try and beat it this year!

Mother with three children in a back garden watching a robin on a bird feeder

Photo credit – Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)

What does the Big Garden Birdwatch involve?

Every year, the RSPB encourages the public to take part in a national bird watch and record their findings. People taking part are asked to spend one hour in their gardens, on their balconies or at the park recording every wild bird that they observe. Once complete, the data is returned to the RSPB and used to create an insightful list of statistics about our national bird population.

Young woman with red hair watching birds from her back door

Photo credit – Eleanor Bentall (rspb-images.com)

What date is the Big Garden Birdwatch 2022?

The event takes place on the 28, 29 and 30 of January 2022. Simply spend one hour on any of these three dates recording your sightings of wild birds.

How do I take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch?

It’s super easy to join in, simply go to www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch or text BIRD to 70030.

Once you have signed up, the RSPB will provide you with a free Big Garden Birdwatch guide, including an identification chart and top tips.

Looking over the shoulder of a lady spotting native birds on her tablet

Photo credit – Eleanor Bentall (rspb-images.com)

What should I do to get ready?

If you are planning to birdwatch from the garden, we’d recommend topping up all your outdoor bird feeders with a fresh supply of food. Make sure the feeders are nice and clean, and easy to access.

Young girl with glasses hanging a bird feeder on a bird table

Photo credit – Eleanor Bentall (rspb-images.com)

You may prefer to join the RSPB birdwatch from your local park or wildlife reserve. If you visit this place regularly, try and choose your favourite spot ahead of time. Why not meet up with some friends and take a nice flask of tea or coffee?

Two men in raincoats sitting in a woodland area studying their bird finder sheet.

Photo credit – Eleanor Bentall (rspb-images.com)

Get the kids involved!

Birdwatching might feel like it’s typically an activity for the older generation, but children will love joining in. The Big Garden Birdwatch guide comes with a fantastic, user-friendly checklist that little ones will love filling out.

Mother and young child cuddled up spotting birds in their back garden

Photo credit – Eleanor Bentall (rspb-images.com)

What better way to help the future of our wildlife than to teach the next generation about it? Spend some quality time together as a family and get out in the fresh air.

Which birds am I most likely to see?

It very much depends on your local area, but you will hopefully spot a surprising range of native wild birds. The top ten most commonly spotted birds from last year were:

House Sparrows
Blackbirds
Great Tits
Magpies
Blue Tits
Starlings
Woodpigeons
Long-tailed Tits
Goldfinches

But who knows, you might be lucky enough to spot a rare species.

A robin, greenfinch and a great tit on polaroid style backgrounds

Be part of something bigger.

Go on, get out there and see what you can see – you may be surprised. Remember to keep still and quiet and observe the birds from a distance which helps them feel safe enough to approach. No matter how you decide to use your one hour of birdwatching, be sure to enjoy it.

Visit us in-store or click here to find out more about our Value Our Planet mission.

With special thanks to the RSPB for their hard work in protecting our wildlife, and for providing us with some wonderful images and information to promote the Big Garden Birdwatch 2022.