Birdwatching Bonanza: Spotting Birds During the Big Garden Birdwatch
What is the Big Garden Birdwatch?
The Big Garden Birdwatch is a fun and educational event where people across the UK count the birds that visit their gardens. It takes place over one weekend in January each year.
Which Birds to Look Out For
During the Big Garden Birdwatch, you can expect to see a variety of common garden birds, such as tits, house sparrows, blackbirds, and robins. However, you may also spot some more unusual visitors, such as:
- Blackcap: A greyish bird with a black cap (males only) that feeds on berries.
- Redwing: A small thrush with a creamy strip above its eye and orange-red patches under its wings.
- Fieldfare: A large thrush with a grey head and rump, black tail, and reddish chest.
- Long-tailed Tit: A small, fluffy bird with a long tail and a distinctive “deet-deet” call.
- Goldcrest: Britain’s smallest bird, with a greyish-green body and a black and yellow stripe on its head.
- Waxwing: A gregarious winter visitor with a reddish-brown body, black throat, and orange crest.
- Siskin: A small, yellowish finch with a forked tail and a narrow bill.
- Greenfinch: A large finch with an olive-green body and a yellow patch on its wings and tail.
How to Attract Birds to Your Garden
To attract birds to your garden during the Big Garden Birdwatch, you can:
- Put out bird feeders filled with sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet treats.
- Keep your bird feeders clean to prevent disease.
- Provide a source of fresh water, such as a bird bath.
How to Identify Birds
If you’re not sure which bird you’re looking at, you can use a bird identification guide or app. You can also look at the pictures and descriptions in this article to help you identify the birds you see during the Big Garden Birdwatch.
Why Birdwatching is Important
Birdwatching is a great way to connect with nature and learn about the birds that live in your area. It can also help you to appreciate the importance of birds and the threats they face. By participating in the Big Garden Birdwatch, you can help scientists track bird populations and identify trends that may indicate environmental problems.
