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World's biggest wildlife survey celebrates 30th birthdayLast modified: 22 January 2009
This weekend (24-25 January) more than three million Big Garden Birdwatch hours will be clocked up as the RSPB marks 30 years of the event. With up to half a million people taking part each year, the survey has made a major contribution to tracking garden bird numbers over the winter. Highlighting winners and losersOver the last 30 years, Big Garden Birdwatch has highlighted the winners and losers in the garden bird world. It was first to alert the RSPB to massive declines in song thrush numbers. The song thrush was a firm fixture in the top 10 in 1979. In 2008, its numbers were less than half those recorded in 1979, plummeting to 22nd in the rankings. "It allows hundreds of thousands of people each year to enjoy wildlife in their own gardens and that’s priceless.” The survey has also shown the increases in collared dove and wood pigeon numbers and the alarming declines of the house sparrow and starling. Dr Mark Avery, the RSPB’s Director of Conservation, said: “As well as contributing to our understanding of the changes in bird numbers, Big Garden Birdwatch does a fantastic job of inspiring adults and children about nature. It allows hundreds of thousands of people each year to enjoy wildlife in their own gardens and that’s priceless.” More recently, through the Birdwatch, the RSPB has seen the effects of climate change. Dr Avery added: 'There’s no denying that the timing of our seasons is changing. Despite the recent cold spell, UK winters are significantly warmer than they were 30 years ago. Through Big Garden Birdwatch we can all see the effect this is having on the birds in our gardens, even if we’re unable to see the wider effects with our own eyes. 'In the last five years, birds such as blackcaps have been seen more often. Milder winter temperatures in the UK mean these birds aren’t bothering to fly south. It would have been virtually unheard of to see these in UK gardens 30 years ago when the birdwatch first started.' Unusual visitorsFollowing the coldest start to the winter for 30 years, blackcaps may not be so widely seen this year. However, the RSPB is predicting other unusual visitors. Reports of redpolls, yellowhammers and bramblings in gardens have been flooding into the RSPB. If these birds have cottoned on to gardens as an easy source of food and water, it’s possible they’ll appear over the weekend so keep your eyes peeled! Sarah Kelly, the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch co-ordinator, said: 'The great thing about Big Garden Birdwatch is you never know what you’re going to see – I guess that’s exciting and frustrating in equal measures! "You don't need to be an expert, all you need is a pen and paper." 'Another thing which makes it so popular is that anyone can do it. You don't need to be an expert, all you need is a pen and paper. It's easy, it's fun and it only takes an hour. Grab a cuppa, sit down, relax and enjoying looking at your garden and the birds in it. Just record the highest number of each species seen at any one time and send us your results. That’s it!' To take part, simply spend one hour over the weekend of 24/25 January, counting the birds in your garden or local park, and record the highest number of each bird species seen at any one time. Click on the link at the bottom of the page for more information and to submit your results online. The Guardian is covering the event by hosting a live minute-by-minute blog at 1pm on Sunday with expert and celebrity birders. You can post photos, comments and watch video footage. This video requires Adobe Flash Player version 9. Download it for free. |
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Curlew feeding in grassy field - Steve Round
Red admiral on Michaelmas daisy - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)