Getting the big bird watch off to a flying start
IT’S a bit on the cold side in Padfield this morning and there’s quite a commotion around the bird feeders.
Since the sun has come up there have been three species of tit, house sparrows, starlings, blackbirds, robins, wood pigeon, collared dove and song thrush – and while observing the scene one super cool sparrowhawk has been eyeing up her ‘take-away’ for later as she passed through.
I treated the mealworm lovers to a lush breakfast, and even though they are of the ‘dried-out-anddead -in-a-bag’ type of mealworm, with not a wiggle between them, they were welcomed to the dining table with open wings. The lovely sun we had on Sunday was only enough to warm the birds temporarily and they still need feeding up, so please keep your feeders well-stocked.
Many of the birds I mentioned will be cropping up on the check-list for hundreds of schoolchildren across Greater Manchester this week as the world’s biggest schools’ wildlife survey kicks off. The RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch – which takes place during the first half of the spring term (January 2 – February 23) – is a chance for children to put down their books and get outside to experience and learn about the nature that lives in their local community. The bird watch involves children spending an hour watching and counting the birds that visit their outdoor space, before sending the results to the RSPB.
A recent survey of 200 teachers and 1,200 school children from around the UK revealed that 96 per cent of teachers believed it was important for children to experience nature at school, while 77pc of pupils agreed.
With close to a million schoolchildren taking part since its launch in 2002, the RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch is the perfect opportunity for schools to get outside, learn, and make their first discoveries in nature.
Last year, more than 1,300 children and teachers in Greater Manchester took part.
The starling was the most common playground visitor in the county and half of schools spotted one during their watch. Magpies, blackbirds and woodpigeons all featured prominently in the results, and with more than 70 different species recorded, there is sure to be a few surprises in schools around the county.
Emma Reed, RSPB education, families and youth manager in northern England, said: “Taking part in Big Schools Birdwatch uses just one lesson or lunchtime so it’s really fun and simple to set up, and it works for all ages.
“We hope that taking part will inspire schoolchildren in Greater Manchester about the wildlife they share their space with.
“Sadly, children today are spending less time outside in nature, which means they are missing out on the positive impact it has on their physical health, emotional wellbeing and their education.
“The bird watch is the perfect chance for them to experience nature first hand, make exciting discoveries, and the results help provide our scientists with valuable information.”
For the first time the RSPB has partnered with CBeebies favourites Twirlywoos to provide new activities and resources specifically tailored to help get mini bird watches off to a flying start.
This year’s bird watch takes place over the weekend of January 27 and 29. Request your free pack at RSPB.org.