Big Garden Birdwatch 2023
EVERY year we highlight the
Big Garden Birdwatch. But how could we not? It is undoubtedly the most successful nature campaign ever seen in the UK, with just under 700,000 people taking part in 2022. This January, it’s taking place on the weekend of 27-29th, and while a lot of the campaign is aimed at the more amateur side of birding, with hints and tips on wildlife gardening, identification of garden species and general enthusiasm, it’s a reminder of the valuable contribution that birders can make to citizen science, lending their expert ID skills to everyday nature projects. It is also a great way to entice younger family members, schools, colleagues and friends into birding, by providing a snapshot of the wildlife living on our doorsteps.
Start a #LocalBigYear
2023 could be a year when local listing, or patchbirding, becomes more popular than ever. As we begin to feel the pennies pinching in our pockets, many of us may find that we’re less willing to travel long distances to see birds we’ve seen before. Of course, the impacts of the climate crisis are being felt too, and many birders are making a proactive decision to stay local. Keeping a patch list gives motivation and incentive for plenty of birders to find their own birds locally, while getting a thrill from seeing species that we might not ordinarily twitch: a self-found nearby Wryneck can become more satisfying and exciting than a mega-rarity in Shetland – and cheaper, too. Your patch is unique, so don’t get hung up on what other people are seeing. Your main competitor – yourself!