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Londoners urged to go for gold in 2012
Last modified: 04 January 2012
Thistle and teasel seed are favoured by goldfinches
London’s goldfinches are on the increase and the RSPB is asking the Capital’s residents to help keep them in peak condition to survive the lean winter months.
Since 2005, goldfinch numbers in Greater London have risen from a low average of 0.3 recorded per garden in the conservation charity’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch, up to 0.93 per garden last year.
“There’s been no study of the rise but there are indications that many countryside goldfinches are moving in to our urban gardens,” said RSPB London’s Tim Webb, adding. “Goldfinches move south in winter and this also helps explain the swollen numbers.”
Tim Said: “The air temperature is slightly higher in London compared with the surrounding rural areas, and that means it’s easier to get through freezing conditions. What we think we’re seeing is learned behaviour as goldfinches adapt to survive.”
“The as yet unanswered question is whether the elevated temperatures are enough for goldfinches to thrive. Having found a more comfortable climate, will there be enough food or fresh water for them? We know that other urban species, such as house sparrows and starlings are struggling, so here’s where Londoners can help; by putting out food for goldfinches.”
Goldfinches are quite possibly our most brilliantly coloured garden birds, with red faces and yellow wing stripes. They like to feed on insects, and small seeds like those commonly found on wasteland where thistles grow. Londoners can help by supplying Nyjer (thistle) seed. Nyjer seed is high in calories and oil and is widely available in special feeders to prevent the small seeds spilling out.
This year’s Big Garden Birdwatch takes place at the end of this month (28 and 29 January) and RSPB researchers will be hoping this year’s results shed more light on the plight of the goldfinch. Visit our website to discover how you can take part and share images of the wildlife visiting your garden.
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