Results 2013
Despite the heavy snow and frozen temperatures that hit many parts of the country at the end of January almost 75,000 pupils and teachers counted the birds in their school grounds for one hour between 21 January and 1 February. Thank you!
This year, blackbirds stay as the top school bird for an amazing fifth consecutive year, with 89 per cent of schools spotting them during the Birdwatch fortnight.
Our results also reveal that the black-headed gull has flown it's way up into third position, while starlings continue to sit pretty at number two.
Boost in sightings of 'playing field birds'
Starlings and song thrushes are both species of the highest conservation concern due to massive declines over the last four decades. However, they were both seen in greater numbers this year.
Several species of gull were also seen in much greater numbers compared to 2012.
'It's wonderful to see the jump in numbers among garden birds like song thrushes and starlings. It highlights the important role that school grounds and playing fields can have - not only as vital places for free play and active, healthier children, but as homes for some of our most threatened wildlife. Faye Strange, Big Schools' Birdwatch Co-ordinator.
All these birds like large open grassy spaces, like school playing fields, where they can congregate and seek out their favourite food - worms!
Find out more about the results by downloading the spreadsheets from this page. Please note that results are only produced for counties with responses from more than 10 schools. The UK top 25 list also has the the top 25 from 2012 for easy comparison.
Action hero
By taking part in Big Schools' Birdwatch, schools took a step towards the Bronze award in our Wildlife Action Awards!
The awards are split into three levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold - and are all about finding out about wildlife, doing practical things to help, and rewarding action.
As children have fewer opportunities than ever to explore the world around them and get close to nature, this scheme is a great way to reverse this trend.
When you sign up you'll get a specially designed booklet which helps each pupil, class or year group get the most out of the actions they do!
Showcase your school
National and local media are always looking for good news stories to help promote Big Schools' Birdwatch.
So whether you've been involved from the very beginning, transformed your school into a wildlife haven, or love thinking up new Birdwatch activities for your class, we'd love to hear from you.
Send us your story to: schoolswatch@rspb.org.uk
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