The world’s largest garden wildlife survey, the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, is set to return this month, with people across the UK poised to watch and count their local feathered friends.
Last year, over 600,000 nature enthusiasts participated, tallying upwards of nine million birds. In East Yorkshire alone, more than 5,000 individuals joined in, spotting the House Sparrow most frequently, followed by the Woodpigeon and Blackbird.
This year’s birdwatching event is scheduled for January 24-26. East Yorkshire residents are encouraged to dedicate an hour to observing and counting the birds in their gardens, on balconies, or in nearby parks, and then report their findings to the RSPB.
Celebrating over four decades since its inception in 1979, the Big Garden Birdwatch has become a cherished yearly event for citizen scientists, providing the RSPB with crucial data on the state of garden birds in the UK. Throughout its history, participants have counted 195 million birds and devoted nearly 12.1 million hours to birdwatching.
Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s Chief Executive, said: “At its heart, Big Garden Birdwatch is an opportunity for people to spend an hour watching, enjoying, and connecting with the wildlife on their doorstep. From chirpy House Sparrows to acrobatic Blue Tits, the entertaining antics of our garden birds can brighten even the dullest day and bring a welcome dose of nature into our everyday lives.
“By taking part in the Birdwatch, you and hundreds of thousands of other nature lovers across the UK, play an important role in helping us understand how garden birds are doing. With the nature and climate emergency threatening even our most familiar birds, every count matters. It’s good for wildlife and evidence shows it’s good for our own wellbeing.”
Last year’s Big Garden Birdwatch threw up some interesting statistics: House Sparrow continued its reign as the most frequently spotted bird, while Blue Tit swooped in at second place, with the Starling not far behind in third. In fourth and fifth were Woodpigeon and Blackbird respectively. Despite the prominence of the House Sparrow last year, with 1.4 million sightings, their average numbers in our green spaces have plummeted by 60% since the Big Garden Birdwatch began in 1979.
The survey, now marking four decades, has seen its fair share of success stories and declines within the avian community. The Blue Tit and Great Tit have both experienced a boom, witnessing a 24% and 61% increase in their numbers respectively. The Starling has suffered a staggering decline of over 80% since 1979.
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Beccy added: “Whether you live in a city or the countryside, anyone, anywhere can take part in Big Garden Birdwatch – even if you don’t have a garden! All you need is an hour to spend watching the birds in your local green space. When we come together for nature, we can do great things. Join us for Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 and together let’s take action to help birds and other wildlife thrive for generations to come.”
To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 in East Yorkshire, watch the birds from your balcony, in your garden or in your local green space for one hour at some point over the three days. Only count the birds that land, not those flying over. Tell the RSPB the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not the total you see in the hour.
Registration is now open for the Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 until 26 January 2025. To receive your complimentary postal or electronic Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, top tips for your Birdwatch, RSPB shop voucher, and advice on how to make your garden more wildlife-friendly, text BIRD to 82727 or visit the RSPB website at www.rspb.orgU.K./birdwatch.
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