Enjoy the #BreakfastBirdwatch while you are staying at home
The RSPB’s #BreakfastBirdwatch is a fun thing you can do from the safety of your own home during the coronavirus lockdown.
The charity’s social media initiative is encouraging people young and old to share their garden bird sightings and pictures.
The Twitter and Facebook idea is a perfect way of connecting with nature without exposing yourself to the virus.
People can take part weekdays between 8am and 9am. That’s the time many of us would normally be doing our work commute or school run.
An RSPB spokesman said: “Using #BreakfastBirdwatch on social media, we hope to create a friendly, supportive and engaged community who are able to share what they can see in their gardens, on their balconies, rooftops and spaces from their own homes, all the while keeping within government guidelines in relation to COVID-19.
“It is vital that nature can still be enjoyed by as many people as possible, whether keen birders, parents, children, those self-isolating or anyone else able to join in.”
He said the aim was for people to enjoy the splendour of nature from the safety of their homes.
Over the coming days and weeks, the RSPB will be helping people to share their wildlife encounters. They will also provide ideas for things you can do for wildlife close to home.
The spokesman added: “With the arrival of spring, there is so much incredible nature returning, blooming, growing and thriving outside, and while we are in the midst of an unparalleled crisis, we must not forget the power of nature, including how watching nature can be so positive for our mental health and wellbeing.”
The #BreakfastBirdwatch focuses on different themes and different species. The online event will also help people identify what they have seen or heard in the garden. Other creative ideas include drawing and poetry.
One recent theme has been encouraging people to record their favourite birdsong for an ‘all-star musical’. They can share their video or audio with the RSPB (@ Natures_Voice) on Twitter or Facebook (@RSPBLoveNature).
The spokesman said: “As outdoor activity remains limited, and with our reserves closed, we believe it is more important than ever to ensure the general public has a powerful connection with nature on their doorstep.”