Watch the birdies
Help the RSPB protect our feathered friends this year
THE countdown is on to one of the RSPB’s most important events of the year – and you and your family can play a huge part.
The Big Garden Birdwatch takes place for 2018 on January 27, 28 and 29, and it is easy to get involved.
All you need to do is commit one hour to just watching the birds in your garden or local park, then tell the RSPB what you see.
Since the Big Garden Birdwatch began almost 40 years ago, hundreds of thousands of people have been involved, providing an amazing insight into how our wildlife is faring.
It will help you to get closer to the birds and other wildlife near you – by counting the wildlife that you see, you’re gaining and providing valuable information – and the RSPB can then see what’s thriving, what’s under threat – and find out why.
All you need to do is choose a time of day that’s convenient for you. You’ll probably see more birds if you do it early in the morning, but any time of day you can do it is useful. Make yourself comfortable and watch the birds for an hour.
Using a survey form in the BGB pack which you can request by post or download from the wildlife organisation via its website (rspb.org. uk/birdwatch), record the highest number of each bird species that you see at any one time. Then answer other questions about other wildlife species that visit your garden during the year. Don’t worry if you don’t see anything as that is still useful to know.
And don’t forget to join in the conversation on social media: #BigGardenBirdwatch